Wire-to-board connector with low height

Abstract

A low profile line-to-board connector having features that enable a height of 1 mm or less, but with sufficient robustness to prevent accidental separation of connectors in partner. A board connector having a mounting interface configured for surface mount soldering to a PCB may include a recess for receiving a complementary connector that receives a plurality of wires. The board connector may have leaf-like terminals that may be soldered to the PCB at both ends with a middle portion engaged with a portion of the board connector housing in order to secure the housing to the PCB. The complementary connector may be inserted at an acute angle to the mounting interface, engaging the front portion of the mating connector with the front portion of the board connector. The rear portion of the complementary connector may then be rotated into the recess and secured proximate to the rear portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with application number 202080047827.1 filed on July 1, 2020.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to and the benefits under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 869,511, filed on July 1, 2019, entitled “WIRE TO BOARD CONNECTOR WITH LOW HEIGHT,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Background Art

[0004] Wire-to-board electrical connectors allow power and / or data signals to be transmitted between a printed circuit board (PCB) and other components of an electronic system. In one example, power can be provided to a device mounted on a circuit board by connecting a power line to a wire-to-board connector that connects a conductive power trace on the surface of the PCB. In another example, data can be provided to a device mounted on a circuit board by connecting a data line to a wire-to-board connector that connects a conductive data trace on the surface of the PCB. Summary of the invention

[0005] Embodiments of a low profile to board connector are described. According to some embodiments, an electrical connector may include an insulating housing including an opening for receiving a second connector, the opening being defined by at least a first wall and a second wall of the insulating housing, and the first wall including at least one receiving portion, a plurality of conductive terminals, and at least one locking tab, the at least one receiving portion being configured to receive a protrusion from the second connector, and the second wall being transverse to the first wall, the plurality of conductive terminals being attached to the first wall of the insulating housing and extending into the opening, and the at least one locking tab being attached to the second wall of the insulating housing. The at least one locking tab may include a compliant portion configured to engage a surface of the second connector when the second connector is inserted into the opening.

[0006] According to some embodiments, the electrical connector may include an insulating housing, a plurality of conductive terminals, and at least one spring, wherein the plurality of conductive terminals are supported by the insulating housing, and the at least one spring is supported by the insulating housing. The insulating housing may include an opening for receiving a second connector. The first connector may include a first retaining feature and a second retaining feature, wherein the first retaining feature is used to engage the second connector at a first end of the opening, and the second engagement feature is used to engage the second connector at a second end of the opening, wherein the first end is offset relative to the second end in a first direction. At least one spring may be configured to apply a force to the second connector in a first direction when the second connector is located in the opening.

[0007] According to some embodiments, a method of mating a cable connector with a board connector may include inserting the cable connector into a recess of the board connector along a first direction, and securing the cable connector to the board connector at least in part by:

[0008] A spring force is applied to the cable connector in a second direction that is at least partially opposite to the first direction and that resists movement of the cable connector in a direction perpendicular to the second direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1A is a top perspective view of an electrical interconnect system 100 according to some embodiments, the electrical interconnect system 100 including a socket connector 120 and a plug connector 140;

[0010] Figure 1B According to some embodiments Figure 1A A cross-sectional side view of an electrical interconnect system 100;

[0011] Figure 2A According to some embodiments Figure 1A to Figure 1B A perspective view of the electrical interconnect system 100, wherein the receptacle connector 120 is partially inserted into the plug connector 140;

[0012] Figure 2B According to some embodiments Figure 1A to Figure 1B A perspective view of the electrical interconnect system 100 with the receptacle connector 120 in an inserted, unsecured position relative to the plug connector 140;

[0013] Figure 2C According to some embodiments Figure 1A to Figure 1B A perspective view of the electrical interconnect system 100, wherein the receptacle connector 120 is in a fixed position relative to the plug connector 140;

[0014] Figure 2D According to some embodiments Figure 1A to Figure 1B A side view of an electrical interconnect system 100 in which a socket connector 120 is shown as Figure 2AShown partially inserted into plug connector 140;

[0015] Figure 2E According to some embodiments Figure 1A to Figure 1B A side view of the electrical interconnect system 100, wherein the socket connector 120 is in Figure 2B Inserted, unfixed position shown;

[0016] Figure 2F According to some embodiments Figure 1A to Figure 1B A side view of the electrical interconnect system 100, wherein the socket connector 120 is in Figure 2C Fixed position shown;

[0017] Figure 2G yes Figure 1A to Figure 1B A top view of the electrical interconnect system 100, wherein the socket connector 120 is in Figure 2C Fixed position shown;

[0018] Figure 2H According to some embodiments Figure 1A to Figure 1B A side view of a cross section of an electrical interconnect system 100 in which a socket connector 120 is shown as Figure 2A Shown partially inserted into plug connector 140;

[0019] Fig.2I According to some embodiments Figure 1A to Figure 1B A side view of a cross section of the electrical interconnect system 100, wherein Figure 2C The socket connector 120 is shown in a fixed position as shown in FIG. Figure 2B Inserted, unfixed position shown;

[0020] Figure 2J According to some embodiments Figure 1A to Figure 1B A side view of a cross section of the electrical interconnect system 100, wherein Figure 2C The receptacle connector 120 is shown in the fixed position. Figure 2C Fixed position shown;

[0021] Figure 3A According to some embodiments Figure 1A to Figure 1B A bottom perspective view of the socket connector 120;

[0022] Figure 3B According to some embodiments Figure 1A to Figure 1B An enlarged view of the socket connector 120;

[0023] Figure 3C According to some embodiments Figure 1A to Figure 1BAn exploded view of the receptacle connector 120 showing the receptacle housing 130 separated from the receptacle terminals 122a and 122b and the wires 104a and 104b;

[0024] Figure 3D According to some embodiments Figure 1A to Figure 1B A side view of a cross section of the receptacle connector 120 through the insulated conductor 104b and the receptacle terminal 122b;

[0025] Figure 4A According to some embodiments, it may be included in Figure 1A to Figure 1B A top perspective view of a socket terminal 122 and an insulated wire 104 in a socket connector 120;

[0026] Figure 4B According to some embodiments Figure 4A A bottom perspective view of the socket terminal 122;

[0027] Figure 5A According to some embodiments Figure 1A to Figure 1B A top perspective view of the plug connector 140;

[0028] Figure 5B According to some embodiments Figure 1A to Figure 1B 1 is an exploded view of plug connector 140.

[0029] Figure 5C According to some embodiments Figure 1A to Figure 1B A side cross-sectional view of the plug connector 140;

[0030] Figure 6 According to some embodiments, it may be included in Figure 1A to Figure 1B A top perspective view of a spring piece 144 in a plug connector 140;

[0031] Fig. 7A is a top perspective view of an alternative electrical interconnect system 200 according to some embodiments, the electrical interconnect system 200 including a receptacle connector 220 and a plug connector 250;

[0032] Figure 7B According to some embodiments Fig. 7A A side cross-sectional view of an electrical interconnect system 200;

[0033] Fig. 8A is a top perspective view of an electrical interconnect system 200a configured to connect two wires to a board according to some embodiments;

[0034] Figure 8B is a top perspective view of an electrical interconnect system 200b configured to connect four wires to a board according to some embodiments;

[0035] Figure 8C is a top perspective view of an electrical interconnect system 200c configured to connect six wires to a board according to some embodiments;

[0036] Fig. 9A According to some embodiments FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B A top perspective view of the electrical interconnect system 200, wherein the receptacle connector 220 is partially inserted into the plug connector 250;

[0037] Fig. 9B According to some embodiments FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B A top perspective view of the electrical interconnect system 200 with the receptacle connector 220 in a fixed position within the plug connector 250;

[0038] Fig. 9C According to some embodiments FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B A side view of a cross section X1-X1' of the electrical interconnect system 200, wherein the socket connector 220 is partially inserted into the plug connector 250;

[0039] Fig.9D According to some embodiments FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B A side view of a cross section X1-X1' of the electrical interconnect system 200, wherein the socket connector 220 is in a fixed position;

[0040] Fig.9E According to some embodiments FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B A top view of an electrical interconnect system 200;

[0041] Fig.9F According to some embodiments FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B A side view of another cross-section X2-X2' of the electrical interconnect system 200, wherein the socket connector 220 is partially inserted into the plug connector 250;

[0042] Figure 9G According to some embodiments FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B A side view of an alternative cross-sectional view X2-X2' of the electrical interconnect system 200, wherein the socket connector 220 is in a fixed position;

[0043] Fig. 10A According to some embodiments Figure 8B A top perspective view of the socket connector 220b;

[0044] Fig. 10B According to some embodiments Figure 8B A partially exploded view of the receptacle connector 220b with the wire cover 290 removed from the receptacle housing 230;

[0045] Fig. 10CAccording to some embodiments Figure 8B A top perspective view of the socket connector 220b;

[0046] Fig. 10D According to some embodiments Fig. 10C An enlarged view of the terminal piercing slot 238a of the socket housing 230 is shown;

[0047] Fig. 10E According to some embodiments Figure 8B A side view of a cross section of a receptacle connector 220b through an insulated conductor 204b and a receptacle terminal 222b;

[0048] Fig.11A According to some embodiments Figure 8B An exploded view of the receptacle connector 220b with the wire cover 290 removed;

[0049] Fig. 11B According to some embodiments Figure 8B A perspective view of a socket terminal 222b and an insulated wire 204b of a socket connector 220b;

[0050] Fig. 12A According to some embodiments Fig. 11B A side view of the socket terminal 222b is shown;

[0051] Fig. 12B According to some embodiments Fig. 11B A top view of the socket terminal 222b is shown;

[0052] Fig.13A According to some embodiments Figure 8B A top perspective view of the plug connector 250b;

[0053] Fig. 13B According to some embodiments Figure 8B An exploded view of the plug connector 250b;

[0054] Fig. 13C According to some embodiments Figure 8B A side view of a cross section of plug connector 250b; and

[0055] Fig.14 According to some embodiments, it may be included in Figure 8B 250b is a perspective view of the locking piece 254 in the plug connector 250b. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The inventors have recognized and appreciated design techniques for electrical connectors that enable wire-to-board (or cable-to-board) receptacle and plug connectors to occupy a small volume while providing reliable operation. Such connectors may have a height of 1 mm or less. The techniques described herein may produce a compact connector that prevents unintentional disengagement of mating.

[0057] The inventors have recognized that a small receptacle and plug connector may be unmated if pressure is applied to a wire or cable terminating at the receptacle connector. For example, if the wire or cable is pulled away from the plug connector, the receptacle may be removed from the plug connector. For example, the wire may be pulled when the wire extends outside of the electronic device. For example, a wire attached to an earbud may extend outside of a portable electronic device and may be pulled unintentionally during use.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the socket and plug connectors can be reliably fixed to each other in a manner that reduces the risk of accidentally unmating the socket connector from the plug connector. In some embodiments, the socket connector can be inserted into a recess of the plug connector along an insertion direction, and a member within the plug connector can apply a spring force to the socket connector in a fixing direction to fix the socket connector to the plug connector.

[0059] For example, the leading edge of the socket connector can be inserted into the recess of the plug connector. In the illustrated embodiment, the leading edge of the socket connector mates with the blade contact of the plug connector. The shape of the trailing edge of the socket connector is designed to interlock with a portion of the plug housing along the side of the plug opposite to the blade. In this example, the fixing direction is from the blade toward the opposite side of the plug connector. Therefore, when the socket is moved in the fixing direction, the features on the trailing edge of the socket interlock with the complementary features on the plug housing to prevent the socket from being lifted out of the recess of the plug.

[0060] The spring force may be applied at least partially opposite to the insertion direction and partially along the bottom surface of the recess to secure the receptacle connector to the plug connector.

[0061] In some embodiments, the leading edge of the socket connector can be inserted into the recess of the plug connector along an insertion direction that is angled relative to the mounting surface of the plug connector. The socket can engage the plug connector at the leading edge of the socket connector. The leading edge of the socket connector can be inserted into the recess of the plug connector and mate with the blade contact of the plug connector. The leading edge of the socket connector can be shaped to interlock with a portion of the plug housing along the portion of the plug connector having the blade contact, thereby hindering inadvertent upward removal of the socket connector from the plug connector.

[0062] The rear portion of the plug and / or receptacle connector may further include features that hinder inadvertent rearward removal of the receptacle connector. Securing the receptacle connector in the plug may require rotating the receptacle connector about the engagement front edge so that the rear of the receptacle is rotated toward the mounting face of the plug connector. Subsequently, features at the rear of the receptacle and / or plug connector may engage to retain the receptacle connector in the plug connector.

[0063] In some embodiments, these features may include a member within the plug connector that engages the socket connector to secure the socket connector to the plug connector. The member may be a locking tab that is coupled to a side wall of the plug housing. The locking tab may have portions that are arranged on opposite sides of the side wall, which portions may be formed by folded metal sheets. At least one of the portions of the locking tab may be welded to the board. This welding may form at least a portion of the attachment of the plug connector to the board. Thus, the locking tab may be reliably secured to the board to provide sufficient contact force for retaining the socket connector in the plug connector and securing the plug connector to the board when the socket connector is accidentally pulled upward.

[0064] In some embodiments, the rear edge of the socket connector may include a protrusion that engages a feature at the rear of the plug connector when the socket connector slides rearward. As a result, the backward sliding motion may secure the socket connector in the plug connector. The backward sliding motion may be imposed by a spring member between the plug and the socket that is compressed when the socket is inserted into the plug connector.

[0065] Go to the attached picture, Figure 1A is a top perspective view of an electrical interconnect system 100 according to some embodiments, the electrical interconnect system 100 including a socket connector 120 and a plug connector 140 . Figure 1B is a cross-sectional side view of the receptacle connector 120 and the plug connector 140 .

[0066] For ease of description, the paired connectors are identified as plugs and sockets based on the shape of their terminals. In this example, the terminals of the socket connector have members that deflect when paired to generate contact forces. Here, the deflection member is a relative member, and the relative member is paired with the blades of the plug connector inserted therebetween. However, no matter how the terminal shapes of these connectors are, the description of the connectors being paired and fixed to each other here is applicable. For example, the plug connector 140 is shown as being mounted to a printed circuit board, and the socket connector 120 is shown as terminating multiple wires. In other embodiments, the connector mounted to the board can be shaped as a terminal for a socket, and the connector for terminating the cable can have a terminal shaped as a blade. Optionally, each connector can have some plug terminals and some socket terminals. In addition, it is not required that the plug terminal is rigid when paired. In some embodiments, both the plug terminal and the socket terminal can be deflected when paired.

[0067] like Figure 1A to Figure 1B As shown, the plug connector 140 can be mounted to the board 102, which in some embodiments can be a printed circuit board. In this example, the mounting is achieved by placing the mounting surface of the plug connector 140 on the board 102 and surface-mount soldering the connector to the board. The socket connector 120 can terminate two insulated wires 104a and 104b. Figure 1A In the mated configuration shown, the receptacle connector 120 and the plug connector 140 can electrically connect the conductors within the insulated wires 104a and 104b to conductive pads (not shown) on the board 102. In some embodiments, the electrical interconnect system 100 can have a small form factor (such as less than 1 mm in height). The height can be measured relative to the surface of the substrate to which one of the connectors is mounted.

[0068] The socket connector 120 includes a socket housing 130 that can support socket terminals 122a and 122b, wherein the socket terminal 122a is disposed between the socket housing 130 and the socket housing 130. Figure 1B . The socket housing 130 may be formed using an insulating material such as plastic. The socket terminals 122a and 122b may be formed using a conductive material such as phosphor bronze. Figure 1B In the embodiment of the present invention, the socket terminal 122a can be attached to the conductor of the insulated wire 104a, wherein the crimping portion 124a of the socket terminal 122a holds the conductor. In some embodiments, the conductor can be copper or other metal with or without plating (such as silver plating). The design described herein can be used in conjunction with small diameter wires. In some embodiments, the diameter of the conductor can be less than 32AWG. In other embodiments, the diameter can be less than 34AWG, such as 36AWG or 40AWG, or less.

[0069] The terminal spikes 126a of the socket terminal 122a can protrude into the opening of the socket housing 130 and, in the illustrated embodiment, pass through the opening to prevent the socket terminal 122a from being removed from the socket housing 130 when the insulated wire 104a is pulled away from the socket housing 130. The terminal spikes 126a can be configured to slide along the bottom wall of the socket housing 130 when inserted into the socket housing 130. FIG. 3C to FIG. 3D and FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B The case of the socket terminal 122a is further described in . In some embodiments, the socket connector 120 may have a height of 1 mm or less, so that when the socket connector 120 is inserted into the plug connector 140, the height of the mating connector may be 1 mm or less.

[0070] The plug connector 140 may include a plug housing 150 that may support the plug terminals 142a and 142b and the spring tabs 144a and 144b. The plug housing 150 may be formed using an insulating material such as plastic. The plug terminals 142a and 142b and the spring tabs 144a and 144b may be formed using a conductive material (such as phosphor bronze) with or without plating to support surface mount soldering of the plug terminals to the board 102. The plug terminals 142a and 142b may have blade contacts. Figure 1B As shown, the plug terminal 142a has a first portion 162a configured to be surface mounted and soldered to a pad on the surface of the board 102, and a second portion 162b positioned to contact the socket terminal 122a when the socket connector 120 is inserted into the plug connector 140. The bottom surface of the plug housing 150 may have an opening to allow the plug terminals 142a and 142b and the spring pieces 144a and 144b to be mounted (e.g., soldered) to the conductive pads on the board 102, thereby fixing the plug terminals 142a and 142b and the spring pieces 144a and 144b to the board 102.

[0071] In some embodiments, in addition to electrically coupling the plug terminals 142a and 142b to the board 102, securing the plug terminals 142a and 142b and the spring tabs 144a and 144b to the board 102 can mechanically secure the plug housing 150 to the board 102. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plug terminals 142a and 142b has an outer portion outside the housing 150 that is configured for welding to the board 102 and an inner portion inside the plug housing 150 that is also for welding. Between these two portions, the plug terminal engages the wall of the housing 150, thereby securing the housing to the board when the ends of the terminals are welded to the board.

[0072] like Figure 1BAs shown, plug terminal 142a may electrically couple socket terminal 122a to conductive pads on the surface of board 102 so that the conductor of insulated wire 104a connected to socket terminal 122a is electrically connected to board 102. In some embodiments, plug connector 140 may have a height of 1 mm or less.

[0073] In some embodiments, insulated conductors 104a and 104b may have at least one electrical conductor 106, which may be surrounded by an insulator 108 (eg, FIG. 3C to FIG. 3D and FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B ). For example, the electrical conductor(s) 106 may include a pair of copper wires wrapped by plastic 108. In some embodiments, the wires may be AWG 36 or AWG 40 wires. It should be understood that the electrical interconnect system described herein may be configured to support any number of wires.

[0074] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2J A method of mating the receptacle connector 120 and the plug connector 140 of the electrical interconnect system 100 is shown. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C is a top perspective view of the electrical interconnection system 100 when the receptacle connector 120 is inserted into and secured to the plug connector 140 . FIG. 2D to FIG. 2F is a side view of the electrical interconnect system 100 when the receptacle connector 120 is inserted into and secured to the plug connector 140 . Figure 2H to Figure 2J is a cross-sectional side view of the electrical interconnect system 100 when the receptacle connector 120 is inserted into and secured to the plug connector 140 . Figure 2G is a representation of an electrical interconnect system 100 Figure 2H to Figure 2J A top view of a cross section XX is shown, in which the socket connector 120 is fixed in the plug connector 140 .

[0075] like Figure 2A , Figure 2D and Figure 2H As shown, the receptacle connector 120 may be inserted into the plug connector 140 along an insertion direction 110. The insertion direction 110 may form an acute angle relative to the board 102, such as due to the front end of the receptacle connector 120 being inserted into the plug connector 140 such that the receptacle connector 120 is oriented such that the distance between the insulated wires 104a and 104b and the board 102 is greater than the distance between the front end of the receptacle connector 120 and the board 102. Inserting at an angle enables a protrusion from the receptacle connector 120 to extend under a feature of the plug housing 150, partially securing the receptacle connector 120 in the plug connector 140.

[0076] like Figure 2A and Figure 2DAs shown, the plug housing 150 includes a recess 152, which can be shaped to accommodate the receptacle housing 130. The recess 152 includes receiving portions 152a-152c, which can be shaped to accommodate the protrusions 138a-138c of the receptacle housing, respectively. The receiving portions 152a and 152b and the protrusions 138a and 138b can be arranged on opposite sides of the slot 154 at the rear ends of the plug connector 140 and the receptacle connector 120, respectively. The receiving portions 152b-152c and the protrusions 138b-138c are arranged at the rear ends of the plug connector 140 and the receptacle connector 120. Figures 2H to 2J As shown in Figure 2H to Figure 2J As shown, the receiving portion 152c and the protruding portion 138c are arranged on the front ends of the plug connector 140 and the receptacle connector 120, respectively. Figure 2H As shown, when the receptacle connector 120 is inserted into the recess 152 of the plug connector 140, the protrusion portion 138c may enter the receiving portion 152c.

[0077] Once receptacle connector 120 is inserted into recess 152, receptacle connector 120 may be rotated toward board 102 in direction 112. The rotation axis of receptacle connector 120 may be established by engaging a front end of receptacle connector 120 with a front wall of plug housing 150 and may be perpendicular to insertion direction 110. Figure 2B , Figure 2E and Fig.2I The electrical interconnect system 100 is shown in an inserted, unsecured state after the socket connector 120 has been rotated in direction 112. Fig.2I As shown, for example, the protrusion portion 138c is inserted into the receiving portion 152c, and the protrusion portions 138a and 138b are not inserted into the receiving portions 152a and 152b.

[0078] Plug housing 150 may have a slot 154 in a rear wall of plug housing 150 that may receive insulated wires 104a and 104b when receptacle connector 120 is secured in plug connector 140. Insulated wires 104a and 104b may be elongated in the direction they extend through slot 154.

[0079] like FIG. 2A to FIG. 2CAs shown, when the socket connector 120 is inserted into the plug connector 140, at least one spring piece 144a of the plug connector 140 can apply a force to the socket connector 120. For example, the compliant portion 148a of the spring piece 144a can push (e.g., physically contact) the socket connector 120 at least partially along the insertion direction 110 along the bottom surface of the recess 152 of the plug connector 140 in the fixing direction 114 to fix the socket connector 120 to the plug connector 140. The compliant portions 148a and 148b of the spring pieces 144a and 144b are arranged in a fixed direction. FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B is shown as depressed and in Figure 2C 152. The projections 160a and 160b may be configured to secure the socket connector 120 when the spring pieces 144a and 144b push the socket connector along the bottom surface of the recess 152. The projections 160a and 160b may be configured to hinder movement in an upward direction away from the board 102. For example, when the socket connector 120 is secured to the plug connector 140, the projections 160a and 160b of the plug housing 150 may be further away from the board 102 than the projections 138a and 138b of the socket housing 130. Figure 2H to Figure 2J As shown, the protruding portion 152 b is positioned above the receiving portion 152 a in an upward direction away from the plate 102 . Figure 2C , Figure 2F and Figure 2J The electrical interconnection system 100 is shown in an inserted, secured state. Figure 2J As shown, for example, the protruding portions 138a and 138b are inserted into the receiving portions 152a and 152b.

[0080] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D It further shows Figure 1A to Figure 1B The socket connector 120 is provided. Figure 3A is a bottom perspective view of the receptacle connector 120 . Figure 3B 1 is an enlarged view of a portion of the socket connector 120, which shows the engagement of the terminal 122a with the socket housing 130. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B As shown, the socket housing 130 includes a slot 136 that is shaped to secure the socket housing 130 to the terminal spikes 126a and 126b of the socket terminals 122a and 122b. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B In the embodiment of the present invention, the terminal needle 126 a extends into the groove 136 on the bottom surface of the socket housing 130 , preventing the terminal 122 a from being withdrawn from the socket housing 130 . Figure 3A Further shown are terminal slots 134 a and 134 b , which are shaped to receive plug terminals 142 a and 142 b when the receptacle connector 120 is inserted into the plug connector 140 .

[0081] Figure 3Cyes Figure 1A to Figure 1B FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the socket connector 120 showing the socket housing 130 separated from the socket terminals 122 a and 122 b and the wires 104 a and 104 b. Figure 3C As shown, the socket terminals 122a and 122b can be inserted into the terminal grooves 134c and 134d of the socket housing 130 to form the socket connector 120. Figure 3C As shown, insulated wires 104a and 104b may include wire insulators 108a and 108b surrounding conductors 106a and 106b. Figure 3D is a side view of a cross section of the receptacle connector 120 through the insulated wire 104b and the receptacle terminal 122b.

[0082] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B The receptacle terminals 122a and 122b of the receptacle connector 120 and the insulated wires 104a and 104b are further shown. Figure 4A 1 is a top perspective view of a socket terminal 122 and an insulated wire 104 according to some embodiments. The socket terminal 122 may be any one of the socket terminals 122a and 122b of the socket connector 120, and the insulated wire 104 may be any one of the insulated wires 104a and 104b. Figure 4B FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of the socket terminal 122 and the insulated wire 104. Figure 4A As shown, the crimping portion 124 of the socket terminal 122 is shown to respectively hold the conductor 106 and the wire insulation 108. The crimping portion around the conductor 106a establishes an electrical connection between the socket terminal 122a and the conductor 106a.

[0083] like Figure 4B As shown, the socket terminal 122 includes a first contact portion 128a and a second contact portion 128b, which are shaped to contact the first side and the second side of the socket contacts 142a and 142b of the plug connector 140, and the plug connector 140 may have a blade contact. The contact portions 128a and 128b may be compliant so that they apply a contact force to the plug contacts of the plug connector when the plug connector and the socket connector are mated. The contact portions 128a and 128b may include protrusions to increase the contact pressure at the mating interface. In one example, shifting the contact portions 128a and 128b by 0.06 mm can apply a pressure of 800 MPa to the contact portions 128a and 128b and generate a contact force of 0.58 N. In addition, as Figure 4B As shown, the terminal spikes 126 can be cut out from the bottom side of the socket terminal 122. The terminal spikes 126 can be biased away from the bottom side so that they pop outward and engage features of the socket housing 130 to secure the socket terminal 122 to the socket housing 130.

[0084] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C It further shows Figure 1A to Figure 1B Plug connector 140 . Figure 5A 140 is a top perspective view of the plug when the plug connector and the receptacle connector are mated. The contact portions 228 a and 229 a may include protrusions to increase the contact pressure at the mating interface of the connector 140 . Figure 5B is an exploded view of plug connector 140 . Figure 5C is a side cross-sectional view of the plug connector 140 through the plug terminal 142 a.

[0085] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C The spring pieces 144a and 144b in the embodiment are used to apply spring force to the socket connector 120 to move along the fixing direction 114 ( Figure 2F ) is an example of a spring member that pushes the socket connector 120. According to various embodiments, one or more spring members may be used. Figure 5B As shown, two spring pieces 144a and 144b are attached to opposite sides of the plug housing 150. For example, in Figure 5B , the spring pieces 144a and 144b are attached to side portions 151a and 151b of the plug housing 150, which are perpendicular to a wall 151d (eg, a front wall 151d) through which the plug terminals 142a and 142b extend.

[0086] The plug housing 150 may include openings 158a and 158b on the sides 151a and 151b, wherein the opening 158b is located at FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B . The openings 158a and 158b can extend through the wall of the plug housing so that the compliant portions 148a and 148b of the spring pieces 144a and 144b can extend into the opening of the plug housing 150 that receives the socket connector. Therefore, when the socket connector 120 is inserted into the plug connector 120, the compliant portions 148a and 148b can physically contact the socket connector 120. In the example shown, the compliant portions 148a and 148b of the spring pieces 144a and 144b are located next to the plug terminals 142a and 142b and are separated in the direction that the plug terminals 142a and 142b are separated. Figure 2A and 2B As shown, in this position, when the front end of the socket connector 120 is inserted into the plug housing 150, the spring pieces 144a and 144b can be compressed. Figure 2C As shown, the spring force in the spring blades 144a and 144b can push the socket connector 120 in a fixed direction. The openings 158a and 158b can accommodate the compression of the compliant portions 148a and 148b by allowing the corners of the bends of the compliant portions 148a and 148b to move within the openings in the direction in which the compliant portions 148a and 148b are compressed.

[0087] The spring pieces 144a and 144b can be retained in the plug housing 150 using one or more features. The spring pieces 144a and 144b can be retained adjacent to the front wall 151d of the plug housing 150 so that the spring pieces 144a and 144b are captured between the socket connector 120 and the plug housing 150 upon insertion of the socket connector 120. Alternatively or additionally, the coupling portions 146a and 146b of the spring pieces 144a and 144b can be clipped to the side portions 151a and 151b of the wall of the plug housing 150. The compliant portions 148a and 148b are connected to the elongated portions (e.g., Figure 5B 147b) in may be arranged outside the openings 158a and 158b.

[0088] Figure 6 1 is a top perspective view of a spring piece 144 according to some embodiments, and the spring piece 144 may be any one of the spring pieces 144 a and 144 b of the plug connector 140 . Figure 6 The coupling portion 146 and the compliant portion 148 of the spring piece 144 are shown, and the elongated portion 147 connects the coupling portion 146 and the compliant portion 148. In some embodiments, the spring piece 144 can generate a force that pushes the socket connector into a position where it engages with the plug housing. In one example, the compliant portion 148 is displaced 0.3 mm, a pressure of 800 MPa is applied to the spring piece 144, and a contact force of 0.44 N is generated.

[0089] Fig. 7A is a top perspective view of an alternative electrical interconnect system 200 including a receptacle connector 220 and a plug connector 250 according to some embodiments. Figure 7B 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the electrical interconnect system 200. Similar to the plug connector 140 of the electrical interconnect system 100, the plug connector 250 can be mounted to the board 202, which can be a printed circuit board in some embodiments, such as by surface mount soldering. Fig. 7A In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the receptacle connector 220 terminates twelve insulated conductors, of which insulated conductors 204 a and 204 b are labeled. Fig. 7A In the mating configuration shown, the socket connector 220 and the plug connector 250 can electrically connect the conductors of the insulated wires to the conductive pads (not shown) on the board 202. In some embodiments, Fig. 7A Insulated conductors shown can be Figure 1A to Figure 1B The insulated conductors 104a and 104b are configured in the manner described. In some embodiments, the electrical interconnect system 100 can have a small overall size, such as a height of less than 1 mm.

[0090] Similar to the socket connector 120, the socket connector 220 includes a socket housing 230 that can be configured to support a socket terminal for each of the insulated wires, wherein the terminal 222a is located at Figure 2B . The socket housing 230 may be formed using an insulating material such as plastic. The socket terminals may be formed using a conductive material such as phosphor bronze. In one example, the socket terminals may be formed using phosphor bronze having a thickness between 0.75 mm and 0.2 mm, between 0.1 mm and 0.14 mm, such as 0.12 mm. Figure 7B , the conductor 206a of the insulated wire 204a can be mounted to the socket terminal 122a so that the crimping portion 224a of the socket terminal 222a holds the conductor 206a. In some embodiments, the conductor 206a can be formed using copper. The terminal spike 226a of the socket terminal 122a can protrude into the socket housing 230 and, in the illustrated embodiment, pass through an opening in the socket housing 230 to prevent the socket terminal 222a from being removed from the socket housing 230 when the insulated wire 204a is pulled away from the socket housing 230. The shape of the terminal spike 226a is designed to slide along the top wall of the socket housing 230 when inserted into the socket housing 230. FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B and FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B The socket terminal 222a is further shown in FIG.

[0091] The socket connector 220 also includes a wire cover 290 disposed on the top side of the socket housing 230. In some embodiments, the wire cover 290 can be formed using an insulating material such as plastic. The wire cover 290 can include a plurality of wire grooves configured to hold the insulated wires in place in the socket housing 230. Fig. 10B Wire cover 290 is further shown in FIG. In some embodiments, receptacle connector 220 may have a height of 1 mm or less.

[0092] Similar to plug connector 140, plug connector 250 includes a plug housing 270, which may be configured to support twelve plug terminals, of which plug terminals 252a and 252b are labeled. In some embodiments, plug connector 250 may have a height of 1 millimeter or less.

[0093] The plug housing 270 may be formed using an insulating material such as plastic. The plug terminals may be formed using a conductive material such as phosphor bronze with or without plating to support surface mount soldering of the plug terminals to the board 202. Figure 7BAs shown, the plug terminal 252a has at least one first portion 262a and a second portion 262b, the at least one first portion 262a being configured to be surface mounted and soldered to a pad on the surface of the board 202, and the second portion 262b being positioned to contact the socket terminal 222a when the socket connector 220 is inserted into the plug connector 250. The plug terminal of the plug connector 250 may have a blade contact. The bottom surface of the plug housing 270 may have an opening to allow the plug terminal to be mounted (e.g., soldered) to a conductive pad on the board 202, thereby fixing the plug terminal to the board 202. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plug terminals 252a and 252b has an outer portion outside the plug housing 270 configured to be soldered to the board 202, and an inner portion inside the plug housing 270 also for soldering. Between the two portions, the plug terminal engages the wall of the housing 270 to fix the housing 270 to the board 202 when both ends of the terminal are soldered to the board 202. In some embodiments, securing the plug terminals 252a and 252b to the board 202 can mechanically secure the plug housing 270 to the board 202. Figure 7B As shown, the plug terminal 252a may be configured to be electrically coupled to the receptacle terminal 222a to electrically connect one or more conductive pads on a surface of the board 202 and the conductors of the insulated wire 204a.

[0094] exist Fig. 7A and Figure 7B In the embodiment of the present invention, the socket connector 220 can be secured in the plug housing 270 by engaging the front of the socket connector 220 with the front wall of the plug housing 270 at an acute angle relative to the surface of the board 202 and then rotating the rear of the socket housing 230 into the recess of the plug housing 270. The rear of the socket connector 220 can engage with features on the plug housing 270 to secure the socket connector 220 in the plug connector 250.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, the plug housing 270 supports the locking tabs 254a and 254b. The locking tabs 254a and 254b can be formed using a compliant material. In some embodiments, the locking tabs 254a and 254b can be formed using a conductive material (such as phosphor bronze) with or without a plating layer to support the surface mounting of the locking tabs 254a and 254b to the surface of the board 202. In other embodiments, the locking tabs 254a and 254b can be formed using stainless steel or spring steel. The locking tabs 254a and 254b can each have a plurality of folded portions, which are arranged on both sides of the wall of the plug housing 270. One or more of the folded portions can extend to the board 202 for mounting (e.g., welding) to (one or more) pads on the surface of the board 202. In some embodiments, the locking tabs 254a and 254b can be welded to the surface of the board 202 to mechanically couple the housing 270 to the board 202. In some embodiments, locking tabs 254 a and 254 b may be configured to electrically couple structures of plug connector 250 or receptacle connector 220 to conductive pads on a surface of board 202 .

[0096] In some embodiments, the insulated wire may have at least one electrical conductor 206 that may be surrounded by an insulator 208 (e.g., FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B 106). The electrical conductor(s) 106 may include a pair of copper wires wrapped in plastic 108. The designs described herein may be used in conjunction with small diameter electrical conductors. In some embodiments, the diameter of the conductor may be less than 32 AWG. In other embodiments, the diameter may be less than 34 AWG, such as 36 AWG or 40 AWG or less.

[0097] The electrical interconnect systems described herein can be configured to support any number of cables and / or conductors. For example, FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C An exemplary embodiment of an electrical interconnect system 200a-200c is shown, which is configured as described above in conjunction with Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Structures are described for securing a receptacle connector within a plug connector to support varying numbers of cables and / or wires. Fig. 8A is a top perspective view of an electrical interconnect system 200a configured to connect two conductors to a board. Figure 8B is a top perspective view of an electrical interconnect system 200b configured to connect four wires to a board. Figure 8C is a top perspective view of an electrical interconnect system 200c configured to connect six wires to a board.

[0098] FIG. 9A to FIG. 9GThe method of mating the socket connector 220 and the plug connector 250 is shown, which has the above-mentioned combination Fig. 7A and 7B The structure described. FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B is a top perspective view of the electrical interconnection system 200 when the receptacle connector 220 is inserted into and secured in the plug connector 250 . FIG. 9C to FIG. 9D is a side view of a cross section of the electrical interconnect system 200 when the receptacle connector 220 is inserted into and secured in the plug connector 250 . FIG. 9F to FIG. 9G is another cross-sectional side view of the electrical interconnect system 200 when the receptacle connector 220 is inserted into and secured in the plug connector 250 . Fig.9E is an indication of the electrical interconnect system 200 FIG. 9C to FIG. 9D The cross section X1-X1' and FIG. 9F to FIG. 9G Top view of section X2-X2'.

[0099] like Fig. 9A , Fig. 9C and Fig.9F As shown, the front end of the receptacle connector 220 can be inserted into the plug connector 140 along an insertion direction 210. The insertion direction 210 can be similar to the insertion direction 110 described in conjunction with the electrical interconnect system 100. For example, the insertion direction 210 can be at an acute angle relative to the board 202, such as due to the front end of the receptacle connector 220 being inserted into the plug connector 250 so that the receptacle connector 220 is oriented so that the distance between the insulated wires and the board 202 is greater than the distance between the front end of the receptacle connector 220 and the board 202. Inserting at an angle enables one or more protrusions protruding from the receptacle connector 220 to extend under features of the plug housing 270, partially securing the receptacle connector 220 in the plug connector 250.

[0100] The plug terminals are Fig. 9A 2 (wherein the plug terminals 252a are marked), which are separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction 210. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9C As shown, the plug housing 270 includes a recess 272 that is shaped to receive the receptacle housing 230 .

[0101] The socket housing 220 also includes one or more front protrusions, such as front protrusions 240a-b, wherein the front protrusion 240a is Fig.9F . The socket housing 220 also includes engagement features that engage with complementary features on the plug connector when the rear of the socket connector is pressed into the socket housing. In this example, these features are located on the side of the socket connector near the rear. Such features may be rear protrusions 240c-d, with rear protrusion 240d being located at Fig. 9Ais marked in.

[0102] The plug housing 270 also includes front receiving portions 284a-b and rear protruding portions 282a-b, wherein the front receiving portion 284a is Fig.9F The rear protrusion 282b is marked in Fig. 9A 2. The front receiving portions 284a-b of the plug housing 270 are shaped to receive the front protrusions 240a-b of the receptacle housing 230, respectively. The rear protrusions 282a-b of the plug housing 270 can be positioned to engage with the rear housing protrusions 240c-d of the receptacle housing 230, respectively, and can form or can be part of the rear wall of the plug housing. The rear protrusions 282a-b and rear protrusions 240c-d of the plug housing 270 can be arranged on opposite sides of the slot 276 at the rear ends of the plug connector 250 and the receptacle connector 220, respectively.

[0103] like Fig.9F As shown, the front protrusion portion 240a of the socket housing 230 and the front receiving portion 284a of the plug housing 270 are arranged on the front ends of the plug connector 250 and the socket connector 220, respectively. FIG. 9F to FIG. 9G As shown, when the receptacle connector 220 is inserted into the recess 272 of the plug connector 250, the front protruding portion 240a may enter the front receiving portion 284a.

[0104] Once the receptacle connector 220 is inserted into the recess 272 of the plug connector 250, the rear of the receptacle connector 220 may be rotated toward the board 202 in the direction 212. The rotation axis of the receptacle connector 220 may be established by the engagement of the front end of the receptacle connector 220 with the front wall of the plug housing 270 and may be perpendicular to the insertion direction 210. Fig. 9B , Fig.9D and Figure 9G The receptacle connector 220 is shown secured within the plug connector 250 after the receptacle connector 220 has been rotated in direction 212 .

[0105] The plug housing 170 may have a slot 276 on a rear wall of the plug housing 270 that is shaped to receive the insulated wire when the receptacle connector 220 is lowered into the plug connector 250. The insulated wire may be elongated and extend through the slot 276.

[0106] like FIG. 9A to FIG. 9BAs shown, the socket connector 220 can be secured in the plug connector 250 by engagement of features on the socket connector 220 and the plug connector 250. In this example, the plug connector 250 has at least one locking tab that is positioned to engage a surface on the socket connector 220 when the rear portion of the socket connector 220 is rotated into the plug connector 250. For example, FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B The locking tabs 254a-b shown can engage with the locking bosses 242a-b of the socket housing 230 (where the locking boss 242b is located at Fig. 9A 212) engages with the receptacle connector 220 at least partially about the axis 212 to prevent the receptacle connector 220 from rotating out of the recess 272 of the plug connector 250. The locking bosses 242a-b of the receptacle housing 230 can latch onto the compliant portions 258a-b of the locking tabs 254a-b to secure the receptacle connector 220 in the recess 272 of the plug connector 250. The rear side protrusions 282a-b of the plug housing 270 can be configured to prevent the receptacle connector 220 from sliding out of the rear end of the recess 272 when the insulated wire is pulled in a rearward direction. The front protrusions 240a-b of the receptacle housing 230 and the front receiving portions 284a-b of the plug housing 270 can be configured to hinder movement of the receptacle connector 220 in an upward direction away from the board 202.

[0107] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10E It further shows Figure 8B and FIG. 9A to FIG. 9G Socket connector 220b. Fig. 10A FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the socket connector 220 b. Fig. 10A As shown, the receptacle housing 230b also includes terminal spike slots, of which terminal spike slot 238a is designated, which can be configured to engage terminal spikes of a receptacle contact as described herein. Fig. 10A Also shown is a locking boss 242b, which can be configured to engage with a locking piece of the plug connector 250b when the socket connector 220b is inserted into the plug connector 250b. Such a boss can be formed by forming a recess in the plane of the side wall of the socket 230 above the boss or by forming a protrusion from the plane of the side wall below the boss. In the illustrated embodiment, the boss is formed by recessing the recess in the wall above the boss. The bottom side of the locking boss 242b has a rounded edge that can slide over the locking piece when the socket connector 220b is inserted into the plug connector 250b, and the top side of the locking boss 242b is substantially flat to prevent the top side from accidentally sliding over the locking piece when the socket connector 220b is fixed in the plug connector 250b and an upward force is applied to the socket connector 220b.

[0108] Fig. 10B FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the socket connector 220 b with the wire cover 290 b removed from the socket housing 230 b. Fig. 10B As shown, the wire cover 290b includes a protrusion 292 and a wire groove 294. The protrusion 292 can be configured to enter the wire cover groove 234 on the side wall of the socket housing 230b to fix the wire cover 290b to the socket housing 230b. The shape of the wire groove 294 is designed to accommodate insulated wires. With the wire cover 290b removed, the crimping portion (e.g., 224a) that holds the insulated wire socket terminal is shown.

[0109] Fig. 10C is a top perspective view of the receptacle connector 220b. Fig. 10C The front raised portions 240a-b and the rear raised portions 240c-d of the receptacle housing 230b are shown. Fig. 10C Also shown are the terminal slots in the front wall of the socket housing 230b, wherein the terminal slot 236a is marked. The shape of the terminal slot can be designed to accommodate the plug terminals of the plug connector 250b when the socket connector 220b is inserted into the plug connector 250b, so that the socket terminals can be electrically connected to the plug terminals. Fig. 10C The terminal spike slots are also shown. Fig. 10D 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the socket connector 220b showing the engagement of the terminals 222a with the socket housing 230b. Fig. 10D In the embodiment, the terminal piercing pins 226a and 227a of the socket terminal 222a extend into the terminal piercing pin grooves 238a on the top surface of the socket housing 230b, thereby preventing the terminal 222a from being withdrawn from the socket housing 230b.

[0110] Fig. 10E is a side view of a cross section of receptacle connector 220b through insulated conductors 204b and receptacle terminals 222b. Fig.10E The cross section shown includes one side of the socket terminal 222b, which includes portions of the crimping portions 224b and 225b, one of the terminal spikes 226b, and one of the contact portions 228b. Fig.10E As shown, the insulated wire may include a conductor (eg, conductor 206b of insulated wire 204b).

[0111] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B and FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B It further shows Figure 8B The socket terminals of the socket connector 220b. Fig.11A According to some embodiments Figure 8B 20 is an exploded view of the socket connector 220b with the wire cover 290 removed. Fig. 11B2 is a perspective view of a socket terminal 222a and an insulated wire 204 of a socket connector 220. The socket terminal 222b includes terminal piercing pins 226b and 227b and contact portions 228b and 229b. The terminal piercing pins 226b and 227b can be configured to engage with the terminal piercing pin grooves of the socket housing 230. The terminal piercing pins 226b and 227b can be cut out from the contact portions 228b and 229b. The terminal piercing pins 226b and 227b can be biased away from the top side so that the terminal piercing pins 226b and 227b pop outward and engage the features of the socket 230b to fix the socket terminal 222b to the socket 230b.

[0112] like FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B As shown, the insulated wire 204b includes a conductor 206b and an insulator 208b. FIG. 11A to FIG. 11B 2, the crimping portion 224b can be configured to hold the insulator 208b, and the crimping portion 225b can be configured to hold the conductor 206b. The crimping portion 225b can be electrically coupled to the conductor 206b. The crimping portion 225b surrounding the conductor 206b establishes an electrical connection between the socket terminal 222b and the conductor 206b.

[0113] like Fig.11A As shown, the crimping portions 224a and 224b of adjacent socket terminals 222a and 222b can be offset from each other in a direction in which the socket terminals 222a and 222b are elongated. The crimping portion 225a of the socket terminal 222a can be positioned adjacent to the crimping portion 224b of the socket terminal 222b. The crimping portion 224a can be wider than the crimping portion 225b, so that the offset between the crimping portions 224a and 224b and the positioning of the crimping portion 224a adjacent to the crimping portion 225b can reduce the combined width of the socket terminals, thereby reducing the width of the socket connector 220b. The shape of the wire groove 294 of the wire cover 290b can be designed to accommodate the offset-positioned crimping portions 224a and 224b of the socket terminals 222a and 222b.

[0114] The contact portions 228b and 229b can be configured to be electrically connected to the plug terminals of the plug connector 250b when the socket connector 220b is inserted into the plug connector 250b. In some embodiments, the contact portions 228b and 229b can be compliant so that when the plug connector and the socket connector are mated, the contact portions 228b and 229b apply contact force to the plug contacts of the plug connector 250b. The contact portions 228a and 229a may include protrusions to increase the contact pressure at the mating interface. In one example, the contact portions 228b and 229b are displaced by 0.06 mm to apply a pressure of 1000 MPa to the contact portions 228b and 229b and the groove 276 in the rear wall of the plug housing 270, wherein the shape of the groove 276 can be designed to accommodate the insulated wire when the socket connector 220 is lowered into the plug connector 250. The insulated wire can be elongated and extend through the groove 276. A contact force of 0.59N is generated.

[0115] Fig. 12A It is a side view of the socket terminal 222b. Fig. 12B yes Fig. 11B A top view of the socket terminal 222b is shown.

[0116] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C It further shows Figure 8B Plug connector 250b. Fig.13A is a top perspective view of plug connector 250b. Fig.13A The front receiving portion 284a of the plug housing 270b, the rear side raised portions 282a-b and the receiving slots 276 in the rear wall 271c, and the locking tabs 254a-b disposed on the side walls of the plug housing 270b are shown. Fig. 13B yes FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B An exploded view of plug connector 250b is shown. Fig. 13B , the plug terminals and locking tabs 254a-b are removed from the plug housing 270b to illustrate the terminal slots 274 and locking tab slots 280a-b of the plug housing 270b, which may be configured to retain the plug terminals and locking tabs 254a-b.

[0117] Fig. 13C 2 is a side view of a cross section of the plug connector 250b through the plug terminal 252b. Fig. 13C As shown, the locking piece 254a includes a coupling portion 256a-b and a compliant portion 258. The coupling portion 256a-b can be folded on one side of the side wall 271a of the plug housing 270b and attached to a protrusion protruding from the side wall 271a of the plug housing 270b, and the protrusion 271a extends into a groove in the coupling portion 256a-b. The coupling portions 256a-b can each be formed into a U-shape to fit on both sides of the side wall 217a.

[0118] The compliant portion 258 can be aligned with the recess 272 of the plug housing 270b so that the compliant portion 258 can be pressed into the side wall (e.g., side wall 271b) of the plug housing 270b to provide clearance for the receptacle connector 220b when inserted into the plug connector 250b. When the receptacle connector 220b is inserted, the compliant portion 258 can rebound to engage with the boss 242a or 242b on the receptacle connector 220b.

[0119] In the illustrated embodiment, the compliant portion 258 is "M" shaped. The M shape can provide the compliant portion 258 with the appropriate flexibility / rigidity to enable the receptacle connector 220b to be easily inserted into the plug housing 270b, while having sufficient retention force to prevent the receptacle connector 220b from being inadvertently released from the plug housing 270b under a range of operating conditions.

[0120] Fig.14 FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a locking piece 254 according to some embodiments, which may be any of the locking pieces 254a-b of the plug connector 250b. Fig.14 As shown, the locking piece 254 includes coupling portions 256a and 256b and a compliant portion 258. The locking piece 254 also includes a mounting portion 260 that can be mounted (e.g., welded) to a pad of the board 202. When the compliant portion 258 engages with the locking protrusion of the socket housing 230b, the coupling portions 256a and 256b can hold the socket housing 230b to the plug housing 270b, and the mounting portion 260 can hold the socket housing 230 and the plug housing 270b to the board 202. In one example, displacing the compliant portion 258 by 0.08 mm can apply a pressure of 900 MPa and generate a contact force of 2.7N.

[0121] Having described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this invention, it is to be appreciated various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

[0122] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, two wires are terminated in a socket connector. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations of this connector may be made. For example, a cable may be terminated by a plug connector. A connector having socket terminals may be mounted to a board. Likewise, more or fewer wires may be terminated by a connector.

[0123] As another example, the connector is described as terminating insulated conductors 104a and 104b, each of which has a single conductor. In other embodiments, the conductors can have other configurations, such as coaxial or twinaxial cables. In some embodiments, the insulated conductors 104a and 104b or the power cable can include another conductor (e.g., a grounding and / or shielding conductor) surrounding the conductors or cables.

[0124] As a further example, the wire cover is shown as a separate piece having features that engage the socket housing to hold the cover in place. The cover may also alternatively or additionally be formed by insert molding material around the wires.

[0125] Such changes, modifications and improvements are part of this disclosure and are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, although the advantages of the present invention are pointed out, it should be understood that not every embodiment of the present invention will include every described advantage. Some embodiments may not implement any of the advantageous features described herein and in some cases. Therefore, the foregoing description and drawings are only intended to be examples.

[0126] The various aspects of the present invention may be used alone, in combination or in various arrangements, which are not specifically discussed in the foregoing embodiments and are therefore not limited in application to the details and arrangements of the components set forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings. For example, aspects described in one embodiment may be combined in any manner with aspects described in other embodiments.

[0127] Likewise, the present invention may be implemented as a method, examples of which have been provided. The actions performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable manner. Thus, embodiments may be configured to perform actions in an order different from that shown, which may include performing some actions simultaneously, even though shown as sequential actions in the illustrative embodiments.

[0128] The use of ordinal terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc. in the claims to modify claim elements does not in itself imply any priority, precedence or order of one claim element over another, nor does it imply a temporal order in which the acts of a method are performed, but merely serves as a label to distinguish one claim element with a certain name from another element with the same name (but using ordinal terms) to distinguish these claim elements.

[0129] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0130] The indefinite articles "a" and "an" as used herein in the specification and claims should be understood to mean "at least one" unless explicitly stated to the contrary.

[0131] As used in this specification and claims, the phrase "at least one" when referring to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more elements in the list of elements, but does not necessarily include at least one of each element specifically listed in the list of elements, nor does it exclude any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows elements to be selectively present rather than the elements specifically identified in the list of elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related or unrelated to those specifically identified elements.

[0132] The phrase "and / or" used herein in the specification and claims should be understood to mean "one or both" of the elements so combined, i.e., elements that are present in combination in some cases and are not combined appear in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be interpreted in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" elements are so connected. In addition to the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, other elements may optionally be present, whether related or unrelated to those specifically identified elements. Thus, as a non-limiting example, when used in conjunction with open language such as "comprising", a reference to "A and / or B" may refer to only A (optionally including elements other than B) in one embodiment; to only B (optionally including elements other than A) in another embodiment; to both A and B (optionally including other elements) in yet another embodiment, etc.

[0133] As used herein in the specification and claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" should be interpreted as inclusive, i.e., including at least one, but also including multiple elements in a list of multiple elements, and (optionally) other unlisted items. Only when explicitly indicated to the contrary by terminology, such as "only the elements of..." In general, the term "or" as used herein should only be interpreted to indicate an exclusive alternative (i.e., "one or the other but not both") when preceded by an exclusive term, such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of." "Mainly composed of...", when used in a claim, should have its ordinary meaning in the field of patent law.

[0134] In addition, the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. The words "include," "comprising," or "having," "containing," "involving," and variations thereof used herein are intended to encompass the items listed thereafter and their equivalents as well as additional items.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, comprising: Insulating housing; a plurality of conductive terminals, the plurality of conductive terminals being supported by the insulating housing; as well as at least one spring, the at least one spring being supported by the insulating housing, in: The insulating housing includes an opening for receiving a second connector, the first connector including a first retention feature for engaging the second connector at a first end of the opening and a second retention feature for engaging the second connector at a second end of the opening, the first end being offset in a first direction relative to the second end, and The at least one spring is configured to apply a force to the second connector along the first direction when the second connector is located in the opening.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating housing includes a first wall supporting the plurality of conductive terminals, and a second wall supporting the at least one spring.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The first retention feature includes a first receiving portion of the insulative housing for retaining the second connector at the first end of the opening; and The second retention feature includes a second receiving portion of the insulative housing for retaining the second connector at the second end of the opening.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first retention feature further includes a first protruding portion of the insulating housing positioned above the first receiving portion; The second retention feature further includes a second protruding portion of the insulative housing positioned above the second receiving portion; as well as Each of the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion is configured to interlock with a corresponding protruding portion of the insulating housing of the second connector.

5. An electrical connector system, comprising: The electrical connector according to claim 1, A second connector, the second connector comprising: a plurality of second conductive terminals configured to receive the plurality of first conductive terminals; a second housing supporting the plurality of first conductive terminals; and a plurality of electrical conductors terminated to the second connector and electrically coupled to the plurality of second conductive terminals.

6. A method for mating a cable connector with a board connector, the method comprising: inserting the cable connector into the recess of the board connector along a first direction; The cable connector is secured to the board connector at least in part by: applying a spring force to the cable connector in a second direction, the second direction being at least partially opposite to the first direction; as well as Movement of the cable connector in a direction perpendicular to the second direction is hindered.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that When the cable connector is inserted into and fixed to the board connector, the blade contacts of the board connector are inserted into the socket terminals of the cable connector.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that Applying the spring force includes bringing the cable connector into physical contact with at least one spring of the board connector.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that Inserting the cable connector into the recess of the board connector includes receiving an electrical conductor coupled to the cable connector in a slot of the board connector.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that Accommodating the electrical conductor includes accommodating at least one power cable or wire in the slot.

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