Single-side bridging type electric connector combination of bridging circuit board

Abstract

The invention discloses a single-side bridging type electric connector combination of a bridging circuit board. The single-side bridging type electric connector combination comprises a first electric connector, a second electric connector and the bridging circuit board, the bridge circuit board comprises a flexible base material, a first connecting end part, a second connecting end part, a plurality of first electric connecting parts and a plurality of second electric connecting parts, and the flexible base material is connected with the first connecting end part and the second connecting end part. The first electrical connection parts are correspondingly and electrically connected to the second electrical connection parts through a circuit layer arranged on the flexible substrate, and the first electrical connection parts are arranged at the first connection end part and are arranged in a row to be correspondingly welded to the first welding parts of the first terminals. The second electrical connection parts are arranged at the second connection end part and are arranged in a row so as to be correspondingly contacted with the second butt joint parts of the second terminals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electrical connectors, and more particularly to a single-side bridge-type electrical connector assembly for bridging a circuit board. Background Art

[0002] Electrical connectors are used to connect different electronic components or modules, enabling electronic signals to be transmitted between them. The electrical connector mates with a mating connector, and signals are transmitted through the connector's terminals. Existing electrical connectors have a front end that forms a docking interface with the mating connector, while the back end is attached to the circuit board. One end of the terminal mates with the terminal of the mating connector, and the other end is soldered to the circuit board. This allows electronic signals to be transmitted from the electronic device to the circuit board through the mating of the two electrical connectors.

[0003] Since this conventional electrical connector structure must be used with a circuit board to form an electrical connection, a welding process must be implemented during the manufacturing process to connect the electrical connector to the circuit board. This not only complicates the manufacturing process but is also limited by the structure of the circuit board, thus limiting its scope of application.

[0004] In response to this, an electrical connector with two docking ports, front and back, has been developed. The front docking port faces the outside of the electronic device and is used to mate with a pair of hand-held electrical connectors, while the rear docking port mates with another electrical connector inside the electronic device. While this structure eliminates the need for a circuit board, the relative positions of the two electrical connectors are fixed due to their docking structure. Therefore, if the electrical connectors inside different electronic devices have different positions, the external electrical connector must be designed with two different configurations to work together, increasing manufacturing and management costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the object of the present invention is to provide a single-sided bridge-type electrical connector combination with a bridge circuit board, which forms an electrical connection between two electrical connectors through a bridge circuit board with a soft substrate, thereby solving the problem in the prior art that different structures of external electrical connectors must be designed for internal electrical connectors in different positions, resulting in increased manufacturing and management costs.

[0006] The present invention provides a single-sided bridge-type electrical connector combination for a bridge circuit board, which includes a first electrical connector, a second electrical connector, and a bridge circuit board. The first electrical connector includes a first insulating structure, a plurality of first terminals, and a metal shell. Each first terminal includes a first docking portion, a first fixing portion, and a first welding portion. The first docking portion and the first fixing portion of the first terminal are arranged on the first insulating structure. The first welding portions of the first terminals are arranged in a row. The metal shell covers the first insulating structure and forms a docking space and a pair of interfaces. The first docking portion of the first terminal is located in the docking space. The docking interface is for docking with a pair of hand electrical connectors. The second electrical connector is arranged on a main circuit board and includes a second insulating structure and a plurality of second terminals. Each second terminal includes a second docking portion, a second fixing portion, and a second welding portion. The second docking portion and the second fixing portion of the second terminal are arranged on the second insulating structure. The second welding portion of the second terminal is welded to the main circuit board. The bridge circuit board includes a flexible substrate, a first connection end, a second connection end, a plurality of first electrical connection portions, and a plurality of second electrical connection portions. The flexible substrate connects the first connection end and the second connection end. The first electrical connection portion is electrically connected to the second electrical connection portion via a circuit layer provided on the flexible substrate. The first electrical connection portion is provided at the first connection end and arranged in a row to be correspondingly soldered to the first soldering portion of the first terminal. The second electrical connection portion is provided at the second connection end and arranged in a row to correspondingly contact the second docking portion of the second terminal.

[0007] In another embodiment, the first electrical connector is located higher than the second electrical connector, lower than the second electrical connector, or at the same level as the second electrical connector.

[0008] In another embodiment, the second electrical connector further includes a locking member disposed on the second insulating structure. When the second connecting end of the bridge circuit board is coupled to the second electrical connector, the locking member positions the bridge circuit board on the second insulating structure.

[0009] In another embodiment, the second insulating structure of the second electrical connector has a docking slot, the docking portion of the second terminal is disposed in the docking slot, and the second connecting end of the bridge circuit board is inserted into the docking slot.

[0010] In another embodiment, the second electrical connector further includes a pressing cover, which is rotatably disposed on the second insulating structure. When the second connection end of the bridge circuit board is coupled to the second electrical connector, the pressing cover is pressed against the bridge circuit board to position the bridge circuit board on the second insulating structure.

[0011] In another embodiment, the first connecting end portion includes a first hard substrate, and the first electrical connecting portion is disposed on the first hard substrate.

[0012] In another embodiment, the second connecting end portion includes a second hard substrate, and the second electrical connecting portion is disposed on the second hard substrate.

[0013] In another embodiment, the first electrical connection portion and the second electrical connection portion are located on the same side or opposite sides of the bridge circuit board.

[0014] In another embodiment, it further includes a third electrical connector, which is disposed on the main circuit board and electrically connected to the second electrical connector via the main circuit board.

[0015] In another embodiment, the main circuit board has a receiving recess, and the second electrical connector is disposed in the receiving recess.

[0016] The bridge circuit board single-sided bridge-type electrical connector assembly provided by the present invention has a flexible substrate on the bridge circuit board. Therefore, the first electrical connector can form an electrical connection with a second electrical connector arranged at a different position through the flexible property of the flexible substrate of the bridge circuit board. This eliminates the need to design first electrical connectors with different structures. Moreover, by connecting the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector via the bridge circuit board, the first electrical connector can form an electrical connection with second electrical connectors of different types, thereby increasing the flexibility of the overall design of the electronic device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a single-side bridge-type electrical connector assembly for a bridge circuit board according to the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional exploded view of a single-sided bridge-type electrical connector assembly of a bridge circuit board.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the single-sided bridge-type electrical connector combination of the bridge circuit board from another perspective.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A three-dimensional exploded view of a single-sided bridge-type electrical connector assembly of a bridge circuit board.

[0021] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a single-side bridge-type electrical connector assembly for a bridge circuit board according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a single-side bridge-type electrical connector assembly for a bridge circuit board according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the single-sided bridge-type electrical connector combination of the bridge circuit board from another perspective.

[0024] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a single-side bridge-type electrical connector assembly for a bridge circuit board according to the present invention.

[0025] Figure 9 It is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a single-side bridge-type electrical connector assembly for a bridge circuit board according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A three-dimensional exploded view of a single-sided bridge-type electrical connector assembly of a bridge circuit board.

[0027] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A three-dimensional view of the single-sided bridge-type electrical connector combination of the bridge circuit board from another perspective.

[0028] Figure 12 It is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a bridge circuit board single-side bridge type electrical connector assembly of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A three-dimensional view of the single-sided bridge-type electrical connector combination of the bridge circuit board from another perspective.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals: 1-bridge circuit board single-side bridge type electrical connector assembly; 5-main circuit board; 6-accommodating recess; 10-first electrical connector; 11-first insulating structure; 12-first terminal; 13-metal housing; 20-second electrical connector; 21-second insulating structure; 22-second terminal; 23-locking member; 24-positioning member; 25-docking groove; 26-covering member; 30-bridge circuit board; 31-flexible substrate; 32-first connecting end; 33-second Two connecting end portions; 34-first electrical connecting portion; 35-second electrical connecting portion; 40-third electrical connector; 111-base; 112-plate portion; 121-first docking portion; 122-first fixing portion; 123-first welding portion; 131-docking space; 132-docking interface; 133-wing plate portion; 134-through hole; 211-main body; 212-combination groove; 221-second docking portion; 222-second fixing portion; 223-second welding portion; M-bolt. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] See also Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4, which illustrates a first embodiment of a bridge circuit board single-sided bridge-type electrical connector assembly according to the present invention. This embodiment of the bridge circuit board single-sided bridge-type electrical connector assembly 1 includes a first electrical connector 10, a second electrical connector 20, and a bridge circuit board 30. The bridge circuit board 30 connects the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20.

[0032] The first electrical connector 10 includes a first insulating structure 11, a plurality of first terminals 12, and a metal housing 13. In this embodiment, the first electrical connector 10 is a USB Type-C connector. The first insulating structure 11 has a base 111 and a tongue portion 112. Each first terminal 12 includes a first mating portion 121, a first fixing portion 122, and a first soldering portion 123. The first mating portion 121 of the first terminal 12 is disposed on the tongue portion 112 of the first insulating structure 11, the first fixing portion 122 of the first terminal 12 is disposed on the base 111 of the first insulating structure 11, and the first soldering portions 123 of the first terminals 12 protrude from the rear of the base 111 and are arranged in a row. The metal shell 13 is installed on the base 111 of the first insulating structure 11 and surrounds the tongue portion 112 of the first insulating structure 11 to form a docking space 131 and a pair of interfaces 132. The tongue portion 112 and the first docking portion 121 of the first terminal 12 are located in the docking space 131. One end of the metal shell 13 forms a docking interface 132 for a pair of hand electrical connectors to dock.

[0033] The second electrical connector 20 is disposed on a main circuit board 5 and includes a second insulating structure 21, a plurality of second terminals 22, and a locking member 23. The second insulating structure 21 includes a body 211 and a coupling slot 212 formed in the body 211. Each second terminal 22 includes a second mating portion 221, a second fixing portion 222, and a second soldering portion 223. The second fixing portion 222 is coupled and positioned with the body 211, the second mating portion 221 is located in the coupling slot 222, and the second soldering portion 223 protrudes from the rear end of the body 211 of the second insulating structure 21 and is soldered to a solder pad on the main circuit board 5. The locking member 23 is disposed in the coupling slot 212 of the second insulating structure 21 and is used to position the bridge circuit board 30. The second electrical connector 20 of this embodiment is a zero insertion force (ZIF) connector. The zero insertion force of the bridge circuit board 30 is achieved by locking and releasing the locking member 23.

[0034] The bridge circuit board 30 includes a flexible substrate 31, a first connection end 32, a second connection end 33, a plurality of first electrical connectors 34, and a plurality of second electrical connectors 35. The flexible substrate 31 connects the first and second connection ends 32, 33. In this embodiment, the first connection end 32 is a first rigid substrate, and the second connection end 33 is a second rigid substrate. The first electrical connectors 34 are electrically connected to the second electrical connectors 35 via a circuit layer disposed on the flexible substrate 31. The first electrical connectors 34 are formed on the first connection end 32 and arranged in a row for corresponding soldering to the first soldering portions 123 of the first terminals 12. The second electrical connectors 35 are disposed on the second connection end 33 and arranged in a row for corresponding contact with the second mating portions 221 of the second terminals 22. The first electrical connectors 34 are recessed portions formed on the first connection end 32. The bottom of the recess has a metal pad. The first soldering portions 123 are disposed in the recess and contact the metal pad to establish an electrical connection. The second electrical connection portion 35 is a recessed portion formed in the second connection end portion 33. The bottom of the recess has a metal pad, so that the second mating portion 221 is disposed in the recess and contacts the metal pad to form an electrical connection. In this embodiment, the first electrical connection portion 34 and the second electrical connection portion 35 are located on the same side of the bridge circuit board 30. However, in another embodiment, the first electrical connection portion 34 and the second electrical connection portion 35 can be located on opposite sides of the bridge circuit board 30, corresponding to the relative positions of the first electrical connector 10 and the second electrical connector 20.

[0035] The second connection end 33 of the bridge circuit board 30 is pluggably engaged with the engagement slot 212 of the second insulating structure 21 of the second electrical connector 20, so that the second electrical connection portion 35 of the bridge circuit board 30 contacts the second mating portion 221 of the second terminal 22. The locking and release of the locking member 23 achieves zero insertion and removal force between the bridge circuit board 30 and the second electrical connector 20. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the horizontal position of the second electrical connector 20 is higher than that of the first electrical connector 10.

[0036] The bridge circuit board single-sided bridge-type electrical connector assembly 1 of this embodiment also includes a third electrical connector 40. The third electrical connector 40 is disposed on one side of the main circuit board 5 and electrically connects to the second electrical connector 20 via the main circuit board 5. The third electrical connector 40 can mate with another counterpart electrical connector. In this manner, the first electrical connector 10 is electrically connected to the second electrical connector 20 via the bridge circuit board 30, and the second electrical connector 20 is electrically connected to the third electrical connector 40 via the main circuit board 5. In this embodiment, the third electrical connector 40 is a USB Type-C connector.

[0037] See also Figure 5, which represents a second embodiment of the bridge circuit board single-sided bridge-type electrical connector assembly of the present invention. This embodiment shares some structural features with the first embodiment, so identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second electrical connector 20 is positioned lower than the first electrical connector 10. Because the first electrical connector 10 is connected to the second electrical connector 20 via a bridge circuit board 30, and the flexible substrate 31 of the bridge circuit board 30 is flexible, it is adaptable to situations where the relative positions of the first and second electrical connectors 10, 20 vary.

[0038] See also Figure 6 and Figure 7 , which represents the third embodiment of the bridge circuit board single-sided bridge type electrical connector combination of the present invention. This embodiment has partially the same structure as the first embodiment, so the same elements are represented by the same symbols and their descriptions are omitted. The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the second electrical connector 20 of this embodiment is a board-to-board electrical connector. The second electrical connector 20 of this embodiment includes a second insulating structure 21, a plurality of second terminals 22 and a positioning member 24. The positioning member 24 is arranged above the second insulating structure 21, and a docking groove 25 is formed between the positioning member 24 and the second insulating structure 21. The second docking portion of the second terminal is arranged on the second insulating structure 21 and is located in the docking groove 25. The second connection end 33 of the bridge circuit board 30 is pluggable and coupled to the docking groove 25 of the second electrical connector 20, so that the second electrical connection portion 35 of the bridge circuit board 30 contacts the second docking portion of the second terminal.

[0039] See also Figure 8 , which represents the fourth embodiment of the bridge circuit board single-sided bridge-type electrical connector assembly of the present invention. This embodiment shares some structural features with the third embodiment, so identical components are denoted by identical reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. This embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the second electrical connector 20 is positioned lower than the first electrical connector 10. Because the first electrical connector 10 is connected to the second electrical connector 20 via a bridge circuit board 30, and the flexible substrate 31 of the bridge circuit board 30 is flexible, it is adaptable to situations where the relative positions of the first and second electrical connectors 10, 20 vary.

[0040] See also Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11, which represents the fifth embodiment of the present invention's single-sided bridge-type electrical connector assembly for a bridge circuit board. This embodiment shares some structural similarities with the first embodiment; therefore, identical elements are denoted by identical reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second electrical connector 20 includes a second insulating structure 21, a plurality of second terminals 22, and a gland 26 rotatably disposed within the second insulating structure 21 and covering the second terminals 22. The second insulating structure 21 has a coupling groove 212, within which the second mating portion 221 of the second terminal 22 is located. The second connecting end 33 of the bridge circuit board 30 engages with the coupling groove 212, and the gland 26 is press-fitted onto the bridge circuit board 30, positioning the bridge circuit board 30 within the second insulating structure 21. The metal housing 13 of the first electrical connector 10 has two wing portions 133. Bolts M passing through through-holes 134 in the wing portions 133 secure the first electrical connector 10 to the main circuit board 5. The main circuit board 5 has a receiving recess 6 , and the second electrical connector 20 is disposed in the receiving recess 6 .

[0041] See also Figure 12 and Figure 13 , which represents the sixth embodiment of the bridge circuit board single-sided bridge-type electrical connector assembly of the present invention. This embodiment shares some structural features with the fifth embodiment, so identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. This embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in that the second electrical connector 20 is positioned lower than the first electrical connector 10. Because the first electrical connector 10 is connected to the second electrical connector 20 via a bridge circuit board 30, and the flexible substrate 31 of the bridge circuit board 30 is flexible, it is adaptable to situations where the relative positions of the first and second electrical connectors 10, 20 vary.

[0042] The bridge circuit board single-sided bridge-type electrical connector assembly provided by the present invention has a flexible substrate on the bridge circuit board. Therefore, the first electrical connector can form an electrical connection with a second electrical connector arranged at a different position through the flexible property of the flexible substrate of the bridge circuit board. This eliminates the need to design first electrical connectors with different structures. Moreover, by connecting the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector via the bridge circuit board, the first electrical connector can form an electrical connection with second electrical connectors of different types, thereby increasing the flexibility of the overall design of the electronic device.

[0043] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and it cannot be used to limit the scope of implementation of the present invention. That is, simple equivalent changes and modifications made according to the claims and description of the present invention are still within the scope of the present invention. In addition, any embodiment or claim of the present invention does not need to achieve all the purposes, advantages or features provided by the present invention. In addition, the abstract and title are only used to assist in searching patent documents and are not used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. mentioned in the description or claims of the present invention are only used to name the elements or distinguish different embodiments or scopes, and are not used to limit the upper or lower limit of the number of elements.

Claims

1. A single-side bridge-type electrical connector assembly for bridging a circuit board, characterized in that: include: A first electrical connector comprising a first insulating structure, a plurality of first terminals, and a metal housing, wherein each first terminal comprises a first mating portion, a first fixing portion, and a first welding portion. The first mating portions and the first fixing portions of the plurality of first terminals are disposed on the first insulating structure, and the plurality of first welding portions of the plurality of first terminals are arranged in a row. The metal housing covers the first insulating structure and forms a mating space and a pair of interfaces. The plurality of first mating portions of the plurality of first terminals are located within the mating space. The mating interfaces are configured for mating with a pair of opposing electrical connectors. a second electrical connector disposed on a main circuit board and comprising a second insulating structure and a plurality of second terminals, each second terminal comprising a second mating portion, a second fixing portion, and a second soldering portion, the second mating portions and the second fixing portions of the second terminals being disposed on the second insulating structure, and the second soldering portions of the second terminals being soldered to the main circuit board; as well as A bridge circuit board includes a flexible substrate, a first connection end, a second connection end, a plurality of first electrical connection portions, and a plurality of second electrical connection portions. The flexible substrate connects the first connection end and the second connection end. The plurality of first electrical connection portions are electrically connected to the plurality of second electrical connection portions via a circuit layer disposed on the flexible substrate. The plurality of first electrical connection portions are disposed on the first connection end and arranged in a row to be correspondingly soldered to the plurality of first soldering portions of the plurality of first terminals. The plurality of second electrical connection portions are disposed on the second connection end and arranged in a row.

2. The single-side bridge-type electrical connector assembly for a bridge circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: The first electrical connector is located at a higher level than the second electrical connector, lower level than the second electrical connector, or at the same level as the second electrical connector.

3. The single-side bridge-type electrical connector assembly for a bridge circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: The second electrical connector further includes a locking member disposed on the second insulating structure. When the second connecting end of the bridge circuit board is coupled to the second electrical connector, the locking member positions the bridge circuit board on the second insulating structure.

4. The single-side bridge-type electrical connector assembly for a bridge circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: The second insulating structure of the second electrical connector has a mating slot. The mating portions of the second terminals are disposed in the mating slot. The second connecting end of the bridge circuit board is inserted into the mating slot.

5. The single-side bridge-type electrical connector assembly for a bridge circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: The second electrical connector also includes a pressing cover, which is rotatably disposed on the second insulating structure. When the second connection end of the bridge circuit board is coupled to the second electrical connector, the pressing cover is pressed against the bridge circuit board to position the bridge circuit board on the second insulating structure.

6. The single-side bridge-type electrical connector assembly for a bridge circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: The first connection end portion includes a first hard substrate, and a plurality of first electrical connection portions are disposed on the first hard substrate.

7. The single-side bridge-type electrical connector assembly for a bridge circuit board according to claim 6, wherein: The second connection end portion includes a second hard substrate, and a plurality of the second electrical connection portions are disposed on the second hard substrate.

8. The single-side bridge-type electrical connector assembly for a bridge circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of first electrical connection portions and the plurality of second electrical connection portions are located on the same side or opposite sides of the bridge circuit board.

9. The single-side bridge-type electrical connector assembly for a bridge circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: The device further comprises a third electrical connector, which is disposed on the main circuit board and forms an electrical connection with the second electrical connector via the main circuit board.

10. The single-side bridge-type electrical connector assembly for a bridge circuit board according to claim 1, wherein: The main circuit board has a receiving recess, and the second electrical connector is disposed in the receiving recess.

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