High density connector with movable contact
By introducing a movable second row of electrical and rotary contact design into the edge connector, durability and short circuit problems caused by multi-row connection pins are solved, enabling high-density connectors to improve durability and signal quality without increasing width.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411580931.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-11
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing edge connectors include multiple rows of connection pins on each surface, resulting in reduced durability of the first row of connection pins and prone to short circuits or other problems during hot plug-in and removal, while increasing connector width is limited.
The high-density connector design adopts a high-density connector, including a movable second row of electrical contacts and a fixed first row of electrical contacts. Through the rotational movement of the connector contacts during insertion, the second row of electrical contacts changes from a hidden state to an effective contact state, avoiding short circuits, and increasing the number of connection pins without increasing the connector width.
Improves durability and data transfer rates of the connection pins, reduces short circuit risk, enhances signal quality, and is not limited by connector width.
Smart Images
Figure CN120300514A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Background Art
[0001] Data storage devices, such as non-volatile data storage devices, typically include a connector that couples the data storage device to a host device. For example, a solid state drive (SSD) uses an edge connector to dock with a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) bus or other connector on the motherboard of a host device. An edge connector typically includes a first row of connection pins or other contacts located on a first surface of the edge connector, and a second row of connection pins or other contacts located on a second surface of the edge connector that is opposite the first surface.
[0002] To accommodate more connection pins, some edge connectors include multiple rows of connection pins on each surface. For example, a first row of connection pins is located at a first position on a first surface, and a second row of connection pins is located at a second position on the first surface.
[0003] However, including multiple rows of connection pins on each surface has a number of drawbacks. For example, the first row of connection pins will be inserted into and pass through an electrical contact of the connector twice as many times as the second row of connection pins, which can reduce the durability of the first row of connection pins. Additionally, during hot insertion and removal, the first row of connection pins may contact an electrical contact in the connector that is intended for the second row of connection pins, which can cause a short circuit or other problems.
[0004] Another way to accommodate more connection pins is to increase the width of the edge connector. However, if the width of the edge connector is increased, then the width of the corresponding PCIe connector on the motherboard of the host device must also be increased. Due to size limitations, increasing the width of the edge connector and / or the PCIe connector may be undesirable or impossible.
[0005] Accordingly, it would be beneficial for a connector to accommodate an edge connector with a high connection pin density without increasing the width of the connector and reducing or eliminating the risk of short circuits. Summary of the Invention
[0006] This application describes a high-density connector for an electronic device or electronic component. In an example, the electronic device is a non-volatile storage device (e.g., a solid state drive (SSD)) or other data storage device. Although a data storage device is specifically mentioned, the high-density connector described herein can be used to communicatively couple various electronic components and / or electronic devices to a host device.
[0007] The high-density connector includes a housing and a first row of electrical contacts located in a first plane or height and a second row of electrical contacts located in a second plane or height. In an example, the second plane or height is higher than or above the first plane or height. The first row of electrical contacts is fixed and is adapted or positioned to contact a first row of connection pins of the edge connector when the edge connector is inserted into an opening of the high-density connector. However, when the edge connector is inserted into the opening of the high-density connector, the second row of electrical contacts moves between a first position and a second position.
[0008] For example, when the edge connector is inserted into the opening of the high-density connector, the inserted edge of the edge connector contacts a connector contact within the housing. As the edge connector is further inserted into the high-density connector, the connector contact moves or pivots about an axis, which causes the second row of electrical contacts to move from the first position toward the second position. When the second row of electrical contacts is in the second position, the second row of electrical contacts contacts a second row of connection pins on the edge connector.
[0009] Accordingly, examples of the present disclosure describe a connector having a first row of electrical contacts and a second row of electrical contacts. In an example, the first row of electrical contacts is located on a first plane of the connector, and the second row of electrical contacts is located on a second plane of the connector above the first plane. The connector further includes a connector contact. The connector contact causes the second row of electrical contacts to move from the second plane toward the first plane in response to an edge connector of an electronic component contacting a surface of the connector contact.
[0010] Other examples describe a high-density connector for an electronic device. In an example, the high-density connector includes a housing that defines an opening for receiving an edge connector of an electronic component. In an example, the edge connector has a first row of connection pins and a second row of connection pins located behind the first row of connection pins. The high-density connector further includes a first row of electrical contacts located at a first height within the housing and a second row of electrical contacts located at a second height within the housing. In an example, the second height is above the first height. The high-density connector further includes a connector contact disposed within the housing. The connector contact is movable between a first position and a second position. In an example, the second row of electrical contacts moves from the second height toward the first height in response to the connector contact moving from the first position to the second position.
[0011] Some additional examples describe a connector that includes a first row of contact members having a first height and a second row of contact members having a second height that is greater than the first height. The connector also includes a contact row pivot member that moves the second row of contact members from a first position to a second position in response to an edge connector of an electronic component being inserted into an opening defined by the connector.
[0012] The present invention content is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form that will be further described in the detailed description below. The present invention content is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the subject matter protected by the claims, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the subject matter protected by the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The following non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0014] Figure 1A A side cross-sectional view of a high-density connector according to an example is illustrated.
[0015] Figure 1B Illustrated according to an example relative to Figure 1A A front cross-sectional view of the high-density connector shown and described.
[0016] Figure 2A A first side of an electronic component according to an example is illustrated, the first side having a first row of connection pins located on an edge connector and a second row of connection pins located on the edge connector.
[0017] Figure 2B Illustrated according to an example of Figure 2A A second side of the electronic component, the second side having a third row of connection pins located on an edge connector and a fourth row of connection pins located on the edge connector.
[0018] Figure 3A Illustrated according to an example of a partially inserted into Figure 1A of the high-density connector Figure 2A A side cross-sectional view of the electronic component.
[0019] Figure 3B Illustrated according to an example of a fully inserted into Figure 1A of the high-density connector Figure 2A A side cross-sectional view of the electronic component.
[0020] Figure 3C Illustrated according to an example of a fully inserted into Figure 1A of the high-density connector Figure 2A A front cross-sectional view of the electronic component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments or examples. Without departing from the present disclosure, these aspects may be combined, other aspects may be utilized, and structural changes may be made. Accordingly, the following detailed description should not be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0022] An electronic device or an electronic component (such as a data storage device) generally includes a connector (e.g., an edge connector) that connects the electronic device to a host device. For example, the edge connector of a data storage device is typically used to connect the data storage device to a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) bus or other connectors on the motherboard of the host device. The edge connector generally includes a first row of connection pins or other contacts located on a first surface, and a second row of connection pins or other contacts located on a second surface opposite the first surface.
[0023] However, the connection pin density of the edge connector is limited. As previously mentioned, in order to accommodate more connection pins, some edge connectors include multiple rows of connection pins on each surface. For example, the first row of connection pins is located at a first position on the first surface, and the second row of connection pins is located at a second position on the first surface.
[0024] Including multiple rows of connection pins on each surface has many drawbacks. For example, the number of times the first row of connection pins is inserted into and passes through the electrical contacts of the connector will be twice that of the second row of connection pins. This will reduce the durability of the first row of connection pins. Additionally, during hot insertion and removal, the first row of connection pins may contact the electrical contacts intended for the second row of connection pins in the connector, which may cause a short circuit or other problems.
[0025] Another way to accommodate more connection pins is to increase the width of the edge connector. However, if the width of the edge connector is increased, the width of the corresponding PCIe connector on the motherboard of the host device must also be increased. Due to size limitations, increasing the width of the edge connector and / or the PCIe connector may be undesirable or impossible.
[0026] To address the above drawbacks, the present application describes a high-density connector for an electronic device or an electronic component. The high-density connector has one or more rows of movable electrical contacts and one or more rows of fixed electrical contacts. For example, the connector includes a housing and a first row of electrical contacts located in a first plane or height and a second row of electrical contacts located in a second plane or height. In an example, the second plane or height is higher than or above the first plane or height.
[0027] The first row of electrical contact members is fixed and adapted to and / or positioned to contact the first row of connection pins of the edge connector when the edge connector of the electronic component is inserted into the opening of the high-density connector. However, when the edge connector is inserted into the opening of the high-density connector, the second row of electrical contact members moves between a first position and a second position.
[0028] For example, when the edge connector is inserted into the opening of the high-density connector, the inserted edge of the edge connector contacts the connector contact member within the housing. As the edge connector is further inserted into the high-density connector, the connector contact member moves or pivots about an axis, which causes the second row of electrical contact members to move from the first position toward the second position. When the second row of electrical contact members is in the second position, the second row of electrical contact members contacts the second row of connection pins on the edge connector.
[0029] The high-density connector described herein provides a number of technical advantages, including but not limited to providing support for additional connection pins of the edge connector without increasing the width of the edge connector and / or the width of the high-density connector. Additionally, an increase in the number of connection pins and electrical contact members increases the data transfer rate of the electronic component. Since additional ground pins can be added and supplies can be grouped without increasing signal congestion, the signal quality of the signals transmitted between the electronic component and the host device is improved. The lifespan of the connection pins on the edge connector is also increased. Additionally, since unwanted initial contacts on the second row of electrical contact members are eliminated, there are no lead mapping restrictions for the multiple rows of connection pins on the edge connector.
[0030] These and other benefits will be described in more detail below with respect to Figures 1A to 3C which follows.
[0031] Figure 1A FIG. shows a side cross-sectional view of a high-density connector 100 according to an example. In the example, the high-density connector 100 is adapted to receive or otherwise electrically couple to an electronic device or an electronic component. In the example, the electronic component is a non-volatile storage device (e.g., a solid-state drive (SSD)) or other data storage device. Although a data storage device is specifically mentioned, the high-density connectors described herein can be used to communicatively couple various electronic components and / or electronic devices to a host device.
[0032] The high-density connector 100 includes a housing 105. The housing 105 defines an opening 110 for receiving an edge connector of an electronic component. The high-density connector 100 further includes a first row of electrical contact members 115 and a second row of electrical contact members 120.
[0033] In the example, the first row of electrical contacts 115 extends a first distance within the housing 105 such that the first row of electrical contacts 115 will contact a first row of connection pins located on the edge connector of the electronic component. Similarly, the second row of electrical contacts 120 extends a second distance within the housing 105 such that the second row of electrical contacts 120 will contact a second row of connection pins located on the edge connector of the electronic component.
[0034] In the example, the first row of electrical contacts 115 is positioned at a first height or a first plane (represented by the dashed line 125), and the second row of electrical contacts 120 is positioned at a second height or a second plane (represented by the dashed line 130). As Figure 1A shown, the second height is above (or higher than) the first height.
[0035] The high - density connector 100 further includes a first connector contact 135. In the example, the first connector contact 135 is of a circular shape or a rounded - corner shape and includes a first contact point 140 and a second contact point 145. Although a circular shape or a rounded - corner shape is specifically shown and described, other shapes or configurations may also be used.
[0036] The connector contact 135 is capable of rotating or moving about an axis from a first position / orientation (such as Figure 1A shown) to a second position / orientation (such as Figure 3B shown). As the connector contact 135 moves or rotates from the first position to the second position, the connector contact 135 causes the second row of electrical contacts 120 to move from a first position (e.g., the position of each electrical contact in the second row of electrical contacts 120 in the second plane) toward a second position (e.g., the position of each electrical contact in the second row of electrical contacts 120 in the first plane or a position moving toward the first plane).
[0037] The high - density connector 100 further includes a third row of electrical contacts 150 and a fourth row of electrical contacts 155. Similar to the first row of electrical contacts 115, the third row of electrical contacts 150 extends a third distance within the housing 105 such that the third row of electrical contacts 150 will contact a third row of connection pins located on the edge connector of the electronic component. Similarly, the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 extends a fourth distance within the housing 105 such that the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 will contact a fourth row of connection pins located on the edge connector of the electronic component.
[0038] In the example, the third row of electrical contacts 150 is positioned at a third height or a third plane (represented by the dashed line 160), and the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 is positioned at a fourth height or a fourth plane (represented by the dashed line 165). As Figure 1A shown, the fourth height is below (or lower than) the third height.
[0039] The high - density connector 100 further includes a second connector contact 170. In an example, the second connector contact 170 is similar to the first connector contact 135. For example, the second connector contact 170 is circular or rounded and includes a first contact point 175 and a second contact point 180.
[0040] The second connector contact 170 is capable of rotating or moving about an axis from a first position / orientation (such as Figure 1A shown) to a second position / orientation (such as Figure 3B shown). As the second connector contact 170 moves or rotates from the first position to the second position, the second connector contact 170 causes the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 to move from a first position (e.g., the position of each electrical contact in the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 in a second plane) towards a second position (e.g., the position of each electrical contact in the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 in a third plane 125 or a position moving towards that third plane).
[0041] For example, when an edge connector of an electronic component (e.g., in the direction of arrow 185) is inserted into the opening 110 of the housing 105, the sidewall or edge of the edge connector contacts the first contact point 140 of the first connector contact 135 and contacts the first contact point 175 of the second connector contact 170. In an example, the sidewall of the edge connector contacts each contact point simultaneously. In another example, when the edge connector is inserted into the connector 100 by a first distance, the edge connector contacts the first connector contact 135, and when the edge connector is inserted into the connector 100 by a second distance, the edge connector contacts the second connector contact 170.
[0042] In an example, when the second row of electrical contacts 120 and the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 are in their respective first positions, the rows of electrical contacts are at least partially located, disposed, or hidden within the housing 105. Thus, the second row of electrical contacts 120 will not contact the first row of connection pins on the edge connector. Similarly, the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 will not contact the third row of connection pins on the edge connector.
[0043] As the edge connector continues to move in the direction of arrow 185, the edge connector pushes the first contact point 140 of the first connector contact 135 and pushes the first contact point 175 of the second connector contact 170. This causes the first connector contact 135 to rotate about the axis in a first direction (e.g., in the direction of arrow 190), and causes the second connector contact 170 to rotate about the axis in a second direction (e.g., in the direction of arrow 195).
[0044] When the first connector contact 135 rotates in the first direction, the second contact point 145 of the first connector contact 135 pushes the rear surface (or top surface) of the second row of electrical contacts 120. This causes the second row of electrical contacts 120 to move from the second plane towards the first plane. Similarly, when the second connector contact 170 rotates in the second direction, the second contact point 145 of the second connector contact 170 pushes the rear surface (or bottom surface) of the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 and causes the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 to move from the fourth plane towards the third plane.
[0045] When the edge connector is removed from the opening 110 (or moved in the direction opposite to the arrow 185), the first connector contact 135 and the second connector contact 170 rotate back towards their initial positions / orientations. Accordingly, the second row of electrical contacts 120 moves back from the first plane to the second plane, and the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 moves back from the third plane to the fourth plane.
[0046] Figure 1B An example is illustrated with respect to Figure 1A a front cross-sectional view of the high-density connector 100 shown and described. As Figure 1B shown, when the second row of electrical contacts 120 is in the first position (e.g., in the second plane), the second row of electrical contacts 120 is positioned above the first row of electrical contacts 115 in the first plane.
[0047] Similarly, when the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 is in the first position (e.g., in the fourth plane), the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 is positioned below the third row of electrical contacts 150 in the third plane.
[0048] Also as Figure 1B shown, the first connector contact 135 has a width extending from the first side of the housing 105 of the high-density connector 100 to the second side of the housing 105 of the high-density connector 100. Similarly, the second connector contact 170 has a width extending from the first side of the housing 105 of the high-density connector 100 to the second side of the housing 105 of the high-density connector 100. In this way, the first contact point 140 of the first connector contact 135 is disposed at or near the inner sidewall of the housing 105, and the first contact point 175 of the second connector contact 170 is positioned at or near the inner sidewall of the housing 105.
[0049] Figure 2AA first side 210 of an electronic component 200 according to an example is illustrated, the first side having a first row of connection pins 220 located on an edge connector and a second row of connection pins 230 located on the edge connector. For example, the first row of connection pins 220 are positioned at a first position on the first side 210 of the electronic component 200, and the second row of connection pins 230 are positioned at a second position on the first side 210 of the electronic component (e.g., behind the first row of connection pins 220).
[0050] The electronic component 200 also includes a third row of connection pins and a fourth row of connection pins located on opposite sides. Figure 2B The example according to Figure 2A The second side 240 of the electronic component 200 has a third row of connection pins 250 located on the edge connector and a fourth row of connection pins 260 located on the edge connector.
[0051] In an example, the electronic assembly 200 is removably attached to the Figures 1A to 1B However, because the second row of electrical contacts 120 and the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 are hidden or positioned within the housing 105 (e.g., in the second plane and the fourth plane, respectively), there is little or no risk that the second row of electrical contacts 120 will contact the first row of connection pins 210 or that the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 will contact the third row of connection pins 250 when the electronic component 200 is inserted into the high-density connector 100.
[0052] This prevents any short circuits from occurring and reduces the number of times the first row of connection pins 220 and the third row of connection pins 250 are inserted into and pass through the electrical contacts of the connector 200. In this way, the durability and life of the first row of connection pins 220 and the third row of connection pins 250 are increased compared to current solutions (e.g., connectors without removable connector contacts). In addition, since there is little risk of short circuits, various types of signals can be associated with different connection pins in the first row of connection pins 220 and / or the third row of connection pins 250.
[0053] Figures 3A to 3C How to receive electronic components according to the high density connector of the example. In the example, relative to Figures 3A to 3C The electronic components shown and described are relative to Figure 2A The electronic assembly 200 is shown and described. As such, similar reference numerals will be used. Likewise, Figures 3A to 3C The high-density connector shown is the high-density connector 100 shown and described with respect to Figures 1A to 1B. As such, similar reference numerals will be used.
[0054] Figure 3A1A is illustrated according to an example partially inserted into the high density connector 100 of FIG. Figure 2A A side cross-sectional view of an electronic component 200 is shown. Figure 3A As shown, since the second row of electrical contacts 120 and the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 are hidden or otherwise (at least partially) accommodated in the housing 105 (for example, the second row of electrical contacts 120 are in the second plane, and the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 are in the fourth plane), when the electronic component 200 is inserted into the connector 100, the second row of electrical contacts 120 will not contact the first row of connecting pins 210, and the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 will not contact the third row of connecting pins 250.
[0055] Figure 3B Illustrated according to the example fully inserted into Figure 1A High density connector 1 00 in Figure 2A A side cross-sectional view of an electronic component 200 is shown. Figure 3B As shown, when the electronic component 200 has been fully inserted into the high-density connector 100, the edge connector (or the side wall of the edge connector) contacts the first connector contact 135 and the second connector contact 170. Continued movement of the edge connector causes the first connector contact 135 to rotate about the first axis (or move from a first position / orientation to a second position / orientation). This movement also causes the second connector contact 170 to rotate about the second axis (or move from a first position / orientation to a second position / orientation).
[0056] When the first connector contact 135 rotates, the first connector contact 135 moves the second row of electrical contacts 120 from a first position (e.g., a position in the second plane and / or hidden in the housing 105) toward a second position (e.g., a position in the first plane and / or extending from the housing 105). When the second row of electrical contacts 120 is in the second position, the second row of electrical contacts 120 is electrically coupled to the second row of connection pins 230 of the electronic component 200. In addition, the first row of electrical contacts 115 is electrically coupled to the first row of connection pins 220 of the electronic component 200.
[0057] Similarly, when the second connector contact 170 rotates, the second connector contact 170 moves the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 from the first position (e.g., a position in the fourth plane and / or hidden in the housing 105) toward the second position (e.g., a position in the third plane and / or extending from the housing 105). When the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 is in the second position, the fourth row of electrical contacts 120 is electrically coupled to the fourth row of connection pins 260 of the electronic component 200. In addition, the third row of electrical contacts 150 is electrically coupled to the third row of connection pins 250 of the electronic component 200.
[0058] Figure 3C An example of a front cross-sectional view of an electronic component 200 fully inserted into the high-density connector 100 of FIG. 1A according to the example is shown. As Figure 2A shown, when the side wall of the electronic component 200 has contacted the first connector contact 135 and moved it from the first position / orientation to the second position / orientation, the second row of electrical contacts 120 has moved from the first position to the second position. In this way, the second row of electrical contacts 120 is electrically connected to the second row of connection pins 230 of the electronic component 200. Additionally, the first row of electrical contacts 115 is electrically connected to the first row of connection pins 220 of the electronic component 200. Figure 3C Similarly, when the side wall of the electronic component 200 has contacted the second connector contact 170 and moved the second connector contact 170 from the first position / orientation to the second position / orientation, the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 has moved from the first position to the second position. In this way, the fourth row of electrical contacts 155 is electrically connected to the fourth row of connection pins 260 of the electronic component 200. Additionally, the third row of electrical contacts 150 is electrically connected to the third row of connection pins 250 of the electronic component 200.
[0059] The description and illustration of one or more aspects provided in this disclosure are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of this disclosure in any way. The various aspects, examples, and details provided in this disclosure are considered sufficient to convey ownership and the best way for others to make and use the disclosure protected by the claims.
[0060] The disclosure protected by the claims should not be understood as being limited to any aspect, example, or detail provided in this disclosure. Whether shown and described combinatorially or individually, various features are intended to be selectively rearranged, included, or omitted to produce an embodiment having a specific set of features. Having provided the description and illustration of this application, those skilled in the art can envision variations, modifications, and alternative aspects that fall within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept specifically embodied in this application and do not depart from the broader scope of the disclosure protected by the claims.
[0061]
[0062] Example embodiments of the present disclosure describe a connector for an electronic device, the connector comprising: a first row of electrical contacts located on a first plane of the connector; a second row of electrical contacts located on a second plane of the connector, the second plane being above the first plane; and a connector contact that causes the second row of electrical contacts to move from the second plane towards the first plane in response to an edge connector of an electronic component contacting a surface of the connector contact. In an example, the connector further comprises a housing that defines an opening for receiving the edge connector of the electronic component, wherein the second row of electrical contacts is at least partially received within the housing when the second row of electrical contacts is located on the second plane of the connector. In an example, when the second row of electrical contacts moves from the second plane towards the first plane, the second row of electrical contacts extends from the housing. In an example, when the second row of electrical contacts moves from the first plane to the second plane, the second row of electrical contacts contacts a second row of connection pins on the edge connector of the electronic component; and wherein when the second row of electrical contacts contacts the second row of connection pins on the edge connector of the electronic component, the first row of electrical contacts contacts a first row of connection pins on the edge connector of the electronic component. In an example, the connector contact rotates at least partially about an axis in response to the edge connector of the electronic component contacting the surface of the connector contact. In an example, the second row of electrical contacts moves towards the second plane in response to the edge connector of the electronic component being removed from the connector. In an example, the edge connector of the electronic component contacts a first surface of the connector contact, and wherein a second surface of the connector contact pushes the second row of electrical contacts from the first second plane towards the first plane. In an example, the connector contact extends from a first side of the housing of the connector to a second side of the housing of the connector.
[0063] The example also describes a high - density connector that includes: a housing that defines an opening for receiving an edge connector of an electronic component, the edge connector having a first row of connection pins and a second row of connection pins behind the first row of connection pins; a first row of electrical contacts that are located at a first height within the housing; a second row of electrical contacts that are located at a second height within the housing, the second height being above the first height; and a connector contact that is disposed within the housing and is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the second row of electrical contacts moves from the second height toward the first height in response to the connector contact moving from the first position to the second position. In the example, the connector contact moves from the first position to the second position in response to the edge connector of the electronic component being inserted into the opening. In the example, the first row of electrical contacts is exposed within the opening, and wherein the second row of electrical contacts is at least partially received within the housing. In the example, the second row of electrical contacts moves from the first height toward the second height in response to the connector contact moving from the second position toward the first position. In the example, the electrical contacts rotate about an axis when moving from the first position toward the second position. In the example, the connector contact is a first connector contact, and the connector further includes: a third row of electrical contacts that are located at a third height within the housing; a fourth row of electrical contacts that are located at a fourth height within the housing, the fourth height being below the third height; and a second connector contact that is disposed within the housing and is movable between a third position and a fourth position, wherein the fourth row of electrical contacts moves from the fourth height toward the third height in response to the second connector contact moving from the third position to the fourth position. In the example, when the second row of connector contacts moves toward the first height, the second row of connector contacts contacts the second row of connection pins. In the example, when the edge connector is inserted into the opening, the first row of connection pins cannot contact the second row of connector contacts.
[0064] An additional example describes a connector that includes: a first row of contact members having a first height; a second row of contact members having a second height greater than the first height; and a contact row pivot member that causes the second row of contact members to move from a first position to a second position in response to an edge connector of an electronic component being inserted into an opening defined by the connector. In the example, when moving the second row of contact members from the first position to the second position, the contact row pivot member pivots at least partially about an axis. In the example, the second row of contact members is at least partially received within the housing of the connector when in the first position and at least partially extends from the housing when in the second position. In the example, a surface of the contact row pivot member is at a third height that is lower than the first height and the second height.
[0065] As used herein, names such as “first” and “second” used to refer to elements generally do not limit the number or order of those elements. Instead, these names can be used as a way to distinguish between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, referring to a first element and a second element does not mean that only two elements can be used, nor does it mean that the first element must come before the second element. Additionally, unless otherwise stated, a group of elements can include one or more elements.
[0066] The term “at least one of A, B, or C” or “any combination of A, B, C, or them” used in the specification or claims means “A or B or C or any combination of these elements”. For example, this term can include A, or B, or C, or A and B, or A and C, or A and B and C, or 2A, or 2B, or 2C, or 2A and B, etc. As an additional example, “at least one of A, B, or C” is intended to cover A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, and ABC, as well as multiples of the same members. Similarly, “at least one of A, B, and C” is intended to cover A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, and ABC, as well as multiples of the same members.
[0067] Similarly, as used herein, a phrase referring to a list of items linked by “and / or” means any combination of the items. As an example, “A and / or B” is intended to cover A alone, B alone, or A and B together. As another example, “A, B, and / or C” is intended to cover A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together.
Claims
1. A connector for an electronic device, the connector comprising: A first row of electrical contacts located on a first plane of the connector; A second row of electrical contacts located on a second plane of the connector, the second plane being above the first plane; And Connector contacts that cause the second row of electrical contacts to move from the second plane towards the first plane in response to an edge connector of an electronic component contacting a surface of the connector contacts.
2. The connector according to claim 1, the connector further comprising a housing that defines an opening for receiving the edge connector of the electronic component, wherein when the second row of electrical contacts is on the second plane of the connector, the second row of electrical contacts is at least partially received within the housing.
3. The connector according to claim 2, wherein when the second row of electrical contacts moves from the second plane towards the first plane, the second row of electrical contacts extends from the housing.
4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein: When the second row of electrical contacts moves from the first plane to the second plane, the second row of electrical contacts contacts second row connection pins on the edge connector of the electronic component; and Wherein when the second row of electrical contacts contacts the second row connection pins on the edge connector of the electronic component, the first row of electrical contacts contacts first row connection pins on the edge connector of the electronic component.
5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector contacts rotate at least partially about an axis in response to the edge connector of the electronic component contacting the surface of the connector contacts.
6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the second row of electrical contacts moves towards the second plane in response to the edge connector of the electronic component being removed from the connector.
7. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the edge connector of the electronic component contacts a first surface of the connector contacts, and wherein a second surface of the connector contacts pushes the second row of electrical contacts from the first second plane towards the first plane.
8. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector contacts extend from a first side of the housing of the connector to a second side of the housing of the connector.
9. A high-density connector, the high-density connector comprising: A housing that defines an opening for receiving an edge connector of an electronic component, the edge connector having a first row of connection pins and a second row of connection pins located behind the first row of connection pins; A first row of electrical contacts located at a first height within the housing; A second row of electrical contacts located at a second height within the housing, the second height being above the first height; And A connector contact, the connector contact being disposed within the housing and being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the second row of electrical contacts moves from the second height toward the first height in response to the connector contact moving from the first position to the second position.
10. The connector according to claim 9, wherein the connector contact moves from the first position to the second position in response to the edge connector of the electronic component being inserted into the opening.
11. The connector according to claim 9, wherein the first row of electrical contacts is exposed within the opening, and wherein the second row of electrical contacts is at least partially received within the housing.
12. The connector according to claim 9, wherein the second row of electrical contacts moves from the first height toward the second height in response to the connector contact moving from the second position toward the first position.
13. The connector according to claim 9, wherein the electrical contacts rotate about an axis when moving from the first position toward the second position.
14. The connector according to claim 9, wherein the connector contact is a first connector contact, and the connector further comprises: a third row of electrical contacts, the third row of electrical contacts being at a third height within the housing; a fourth row of electrical contacts, the fourth row of electrical contacts being at a fourth height within the housing, the fourth height being below the third height; and a second connector contact, the second connector contact being disposed within the housing and being movable between a third position and a fourth position, wherein the fourth row of electrical contacts moves from the fourth height toward the third height in response to the second connector contact moving from the third position to the fourth position.
15. The connector according to claim 9, wherein the second row of connector contacts contacts the second row of connection pins when the second row of connector contacts moves toward the first height.
16. The connector according to claim 9, wherein the first row of connection pins cannot contact the second row of connector contacts when the edge connector is inserted into the opening.
17. A connector, the connector comprising: a first row of contact members, the first row of contact members having a first height; a second row of contact members, the second row of contact members having a second height greater than the first height; and a contact row pivot member that causes the second row of contact members to move from a first position to a second position in response to an edge connector of an electronic component being inserted into an opening defined by the connector.
18. The connector according to claim 17, wherein the contact row pivot member pivots at least partially about an axis when moving the second row of contact members from the first position to the second position.
19. The connector according to claim 17, wherein the second row of contact members is at least partially received within the housing of the connector when in the first position and at least partially extends from the housing when in the second position.
20. The connector according to claim 17, wherein a surface of the contact row pivot member is located at a third height lower than the first height and the second height.