Electric connector, board end connector and electronic system

Abstract

The invention provides an electric connector, a board end connector and an electronic system. The electrical connector comprises: a first housing; the first interface part is at least partially arranged in the first shell; a first support member at least partially received in the first housing and positioned proximate to the first opening portion, the first interface portion being fixedly connected to the first support member; a first elastic member disposed between an outer surface of the first support member and an inner surface of the first housing, the first elastic member being deformable to allow the first support member to shift relative to the first housing in at least one of a second direction and a third direction; the second interface part is at least partially arranged in the first shell; and a flexible interconnection portion disposed between the first interface portion and the second interface portion and electrically connecting the first conductive element of the first interface portion with the second conductive element of the second interface portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electrical connectors, and more particularly, to a board-to-board connector for connecting two circuit boards. Background Art

[0002] This section provides background information related to the present application but does not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] An electrical connector is a commonly used connection device for connecting two devices or two electronic components. For example, an electrical connector is required when connecting two printed circuit boards. The electrical connectors commonly used to connect two printed circuit boards are all two-piece plug-in structures, which include a male connector and a female connector that fit together. The male connector and the female connector are respectively provided with high-frequency contacts and low-frequency contacts. The high-frequency contacts and the low-frequency contacts are rigidly fixed in the male connector and the female connector, respectively. When two printed circuit boards are connected together using the male connector and the female connector, there is a corresponding relationship between the engagement positions of the male connector and the female connector. Therefore, the male connector and the female connector can only be engaged when the positions are aligned. However, during the actual assembly process, there will be a certain deviation between the engagement positions of the male connector and the female connector with the corresponding circuit boards. When this deviation exceeds a certain level, the contacts on the male connector and the corresponding contacts on the female connector may no longer be coaxial, affecting the reliability of the connection.

[0004] Therefore, high-precision alignment of the male and female connectors is typically required. This means that the relative offset between the male and female connectors in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction cannot be excessive. If this relative offset exceeds a predetermined value, the transmission distance and path between the male and female connectors will change, leading to signal distortion and interference. Furthermore, a relatively large offset between the male and female connectors can increase the contact area or pressure of the corresponding conductive parts, thereby increasing friction or pressure between the contact parts, which in turn affects the reliability of the electrical connector.

[0005] Especially in connector applications that require high precision, such as high-speed transmission and high-frequency signal transmission, it is even more necessary to ensure that the offset of the electrical connector meets the standards.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an electrical connector that can achieve more reliable power and signal transmission and at the same time be flexible enough to accommodate assembly deviations. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0008] In view of the problems existing in the above conventional technologies, there is a need to improve the relevant electrical connectors to overcome or alleviate all or at least part of the above technical problems.

[0009] One aspect of the present application provides an electrical connector. In some exemplary embodiments, the electrical connector has a length extending along a first direction, a width extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a thickness extending along a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The electrical connector may include: a first shell, the first shell being formed to have a cylindrical shape, the first shell having a first opening portion and a second opening portion opposite to the first opening portion in a first direction of the first shell; a first interface portion, the first interface portion being at least partially disposed in the first shell, the first interface portion including a first conductive element and extending beyond the first opening portion in the first direction; a first support member, the first support member being at least partially received in the first shell and positioned proximate to the first opening portion, the first interface portion being fixedly connected to the first support member; a first elastic member, the first elastic member being disposed between an outer surface of the first support member and an inner surface of the first shell, the first elastic member being deformable to allow the first support member to deflect relative to the first shell in at least one of a second direction and a third direction; a second interface portion, the second interface portion being at least partially disposed in the first shell, the second interface portion including a second conductive element and extending beyond the second opening portion in the first direction; and a flexible interconnection portion, the flexible interconnection portion being disposed between the first interface portion and the second interface portion and electrically connecting the first conductive element of the first interface portion with the second conductive element of the second interface portion.

[0010] By disposing a first elastic member between the outer surface of the first support member and the inner surface of the first housing, when the electrical connector is assembled with a corresponding electronic component, a floating connection can be achieved between the first interface portion of the electrical connector and the first housing in at least one of the second and third directions. The floating amount of the first interface fixedly connected to the first support member can be automatically adjusted according to actual application conditions by the deformable first elastic member. The first elastic member enables a flexible connection and provides a certain degree of position compensation and buffering during the connection process, thereby improving the accuracy and smoothness of the connection between the electrical connector and the mating connector, while also extending the service life of the electrical connector.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the electrical connector further includes a second support member that is at least partially received in the first shell and positioned proximate to the second opening portion, the second interface portion being fixedly connected to the second support member; and a second elastic member that is disposed between an outer surface of the second support member and an inner surface of the first shell, the second elastic member being deformable to allow the second support member to be offset relative to the first shell in at least one of the second direction and the third direction.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the first support member is provided with a mounting hole extending therethrough in the first direction, and the second support member is provided with a mounting hole extending therethrough in the first direction.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the first support member is provided with a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole, the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole being arranged symmetrically about a first central axis of the electrical connector. The second support member is provided with a third mounting hole and a fourth mounting hole, the third mounting hole and the fourth mounting hole being arranged symmetrically about the first central axis of the electrical connector.

[0014] The first mounting hole is aligned with the third mounting hole in the first direction of the electrical connector; and the second mounting hole is aligned with the fourth mounting hole in the first direction of the electrical connector.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the first supporting member may include a first body portion received in the first housing, an outer peripheral surface of the first body portion being provided with a continuous first annular recess, and the first elastic member being received in the first annular recess.

[0016] The second supporting member may include a second body portion received in the first housing, an outer peripheral surface of the second body portion being provided with a continuous second annular recess, and the second elastic member being received in the second annular recess.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the first support member and the second support member may include an engagement portion engaged with an outer surface of the first housing to restrict movement of the first housing in the first direction.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the first support member is formed as a profiled piece, the first support member including a first inner side surface adjacent to the flexible interconnection portion and a first outer side surface opposite to the first inner side surface in a first direction.

[0019] The first supporting member includes a first joint portion and a second joint portion, which are arranged on two opposite side edges of the first outer side surface in the third direction; the first shell includes a first shell side surface and a second shell side surface opposite to the first shell side surface in the third direction, a first concave portion and a second concave portion are formed on the first shell side surface, and a third concave portion and a fourth concave portion are formed on the second shell side surface.

[0020] The first engaging portion engages with the first concave portion of the first housing side surface; and the second engaging portion engages with the third concave portion of the second housing side surface.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the second support member is formed as a profiled member, includes a second inner surface adjacent to the flexible interconnection portion, and a second outer surface opposite the second inner surface in the first direction. The second support member includes third and fourth engaging portions disposed on opposite side edges of the second outer surface in the third direction.

[0022] The third engaging portion engages with the second concave portion of the first housing side surface; and the fourth engaging portion engages with the fourth concave portion of the second housing side surface.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the first, second, third, and fourth engaging portions has a U-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction, and an opening portion of the U-shape is disposed toward the flexible interconnection portion.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, the first interface portion is disposed between the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole in the second direction; and the second interface portion is disposed between the third mounting hole and the fourth mounting hole in the second direction.

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments, the first shell includes a first accommodating portion and a second accommodating portion arranged on an inner circumferential surface of the first shell, the first supporting member is accommodated in the first accommodating portion, the second supporting member is accommodated in the second accommodating portion, and each of the first accommodating portion and the second accommodating portion is formed to have a concave shape and is spaced apart from each other in the first direction of the electrical connector.

[0026] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the first conductive element of the first interface portion and the second conductive element of the second interface portion is configured as a printed circuit board and includes a first terminal portion provided with one or more power transmission contact portions; and a second terminal portion provided with one or more signal transmission contact portions, and the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the first elastic member and the second elastic member is formed of a silicone rubber gasket.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, the flexible interconnection portion may include a flexible flat cable connected to the first interface portion and the second interface portion by welding.

[0029] Another aspect of the present application provides a board connector. In some exemplary embodiments, the board connector has a height extending along a first direction, a width extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a thickness extending along a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions.

[0030] The board-end connector may include: a terminal assembly, the terminal assembly includes a plurality of conductive sub-assemblies and a accommodating component that accommodates the plurality of conductive sub-assemblies and is formed as an integral part with the plurality of conductive sub-assemblies; and a second shell, the second shell is formed with a plurality of channels for receiving the terminal assembly, the second shell includes a mounting end to be mounted on the circuit board and a mating end opposite to the mounting end, the second shell is formed with a slot, and the plug-in interface of the slot is arranged at the mating end of the second shell.

[0031] Multiple conductive sub-assemblies are arranged side by side in a manner spaced apart from each other in the second direction, each conductive sub-assembly in the multiple conductive sub-assemblies includes a pair of first elongated conductive elements facing each other in the third direction; and a pair of second elongated conductive elements facing each other in the third direction, the size of the first elongated conductive elements in the first direction is larger than the size of the second elongated conductive elements in the first direction, and the proximal end of the first elongated conductive element is formed at the plug-in interface of the slot.

[0032] In some exemplary embodiments, four conductive sub-components among the plurality of conductive sub-components are formed as power transmission terminals, and the remaining conductive sub-components among the plurality of conductive sub-components are formed as signal transmission terminals.

[0033] In some exemplary embodiments, the second shell may include a first protrusion and a second protrusion arranged on opposite sides of the second shell in the second direction, a dimension of each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the first direction is smaller than a dimension of the first elongated conductive element in the first direction, and each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is formed with an orifice.

[0034] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the first elongated conductive elements includes a first proximal end adjacent to the plug interface, a first distal end opposite the first proximal end, and one or more bends disposed between the first proximal and first distal ends. The paired first elongated conductive elements include a first contact portion and a second contact portion adjacent to the first proximal end and projecting toward the second center axis of the board connector, the first contact portion and the second contact portion being exposed in the slot.

[0035] Each of the second elongated conductive elements includes a second distal end flush with the first distal end of the first elongated conductive element; a second proximal end opposite the second distal end; and one or more bends disposed between the second proximal and second distal ends. The paired second elongated conductive elements include third and fourth contact portions adjacent to the second proximal ends and projecting toward the second center axis of the board connector, the third and fourth contact portions being exposed in the slot.

[0036] In some exemplary embodiments, the pair of first elongated conductive elements are mirror images about the second center axis of the board header connector; and the pair of second elongated conductive elements are mirror images about the second center axis of the board header connector.

[0037] In some exemplary embodiments, a distance between the first contact portion of the first elongated conductive element and the third contact portion of the second elongated conductive element is in the range of 6 mm to 9 mm.

[0038] In some exemplary embodiments, the first distal end of each first elongated conductive element extends through the mounting end of the second shell and has an L-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction; and the second distal end of each second elongated conductive element extends through the mounting end of the second shell and has a T-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction.

[0039] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the second elongated conductive elements includes a twisting portion disposed between the second proximal end and the second distal end, the twisting portion connecting the first strip-shaped portion and the second strip-shaped portion disposed at opposite ends of the twisting portion so that a normal direction of a major surface of the first strip-shaped portion and a normal direction of a major surface of the second strip-shaped portion form a twisting angle in the range of 0 to 90 degrees.

[0040] In some exemplary embodiments, each first elongated conductive element includes a support arm and a resilient arm disposed between a first proximal end and a first distal end, the support arm being adjacent to the first distal end and connected to the resilient arm, and each of the first contact portion and the second contact portion being disposed on the resilient arm.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, the elastic arm includes a main elastic arm and a secondary elastic arm, both of the main elastic arm and the secondary elastic arm extend from the position where the elastic arm is connected to the support arm toward a direction away from the support arm, and the main elastic arm and the secondary elastic arm are spaced apart from each other, and each of the first contact portion and the second contact portion is arranged on a side of the main elastic arm opposite to the secondary elastic arm.

[0042] In some exemplary embodiments, the length of the primary elastic arm is greater than the length of the secondary elastic arm.

[0043] Another aspect of the present application provides an electronic system. In some exemplary embodiments, the electronic system includes: a first circuit board; a first board connector, the first board connector being the board connector provided according to the aforementioned aspects of the present application, the first board connector being connected to the first circuit board via a connecting device; and an electrical connector, the electrical connector being the electrical connector provided according to the aforementioned aspects of the present application, the electrical connector being fitted to the first board connector such that a first interface portion of the electrical connector is inserted into a slot of the first board connector.

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments, the second shell of the first board end connector includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion arranged on opposite sides of the second shell in the second direction, the dimension of each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the first direction is smaller than the dimension of the first elongated conductive element in the first direction, and each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is formed with an opening.

[0045] The first support member is provided with a mounting hole extending through the first support member along the first direction.

[0046] The connecting device includes a locking portion and a guide portion connected to the locking portion, the guide portion extending along a first direction, the first board end connector being fixedly connected to the first circuit board through the locking portion, and the guide portion extending through the aperture of the second shell and extending beyond the mating end of the second shell.

[0047] In a case where the electric connector is fitted to the first board-side connector, the guide portion is inserted into the mounting hole of the first support member of the electric connector.

[0048] In some exemplary embodiments, the locking portion includes a first cylindrical portion connected to the guide portion and a second cylindrical portion having a diameter smaller than that of the first cylindrical portion, a first stopper is formed at a joining surface of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, and the connecting device includes a second stopper spaced apart from the first stopper in the first direction.

[0049] An end portion of the locking portion opposite to the guide portion includes a hollow cavity provided with an internal thread portion. When the threaded connector is inserted into the hollow cavity and engaged with the internal thread portion, the first circuit board is clamped between the first stop portion and the second stop portion.

[0050] In some exemplary embodiments, when the electrical connector is fitted to the first board connector, the guide portion is connected to the mounting hole of the first support member of the electrical connector in a clearance fit manner.

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, the first conductive element of the first interface portion includes a first terminal portion provided with one or more power transmission contact portions; and a second terminal portion provided with one or more signal transmission contact portions, and the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

[0052] One or more conductive sub-components among the plurality of conductive sub-components of the first board-side connector are formed as power transmission terminals, and one or more conductive sub-components among the plurality of conductive sub-components are formed as signal transmission terminals.

[0053] When the electrical connector is fitted to the first board-end connector, the power transmission contact portions of the first interface portion are connected to corresponding contact portions of the power transmission terminals of the first board-end connector to enable power transmission between the electrical connector and the first board-end connector. The signal transmission contact portions of the first interface portion are connected to corresponding contact portions of the signal transmission terminals of the first board-end connector to enable signal transmission between the electrical connector and the first board-end connector.

[0054] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the first elongated conductive elements of the first board-end connector includes a first proximal end adjacent to the plug-in interface, a first distal end opposite to the first proximal end, and one or more bends arranged between the first proximal end and the first distal end, and the pair of first elongated conductive elements includes a first contact portion and a second contact portion adjacent to the first proximal end and protruding toward the second center axis of the board-end connector, and the first contact portion and the second contact portion are exposed in the slot.

[0055] Each of the second elongated conductive elements of the first board connector includes: a second distal end flush with the first distal end of the first elongated conductive element; a second proximal end opposite the second distal end; and one or more bends disposed between the second proximal and second distal ends. The paired second elongated conductive elements include a third contact portion and a fourth contact portion adjacent to the second proximal end and projecting toward a second center axis of the board connector, the third contact portion and the fourth contact portion being exposed in the slot.

[0056] The first interface portion includes a first interface side surface and a second interface side surface opposite to the first interface side surface in a third direction, each of the power transmission contact portion and the signal transmission contact portion of the first interface portion includes a plurality of conductive pads exposed at the first interface side surface and the second interface side surface, and the plurality of conductive pads include a first row of conductive pads and a second row of conductive pads, both arranged along the second direction, the first row of conductive pads and the second row of conductive pads being spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and the second row of conductive pads being closer to the free end of the first interface portion than the first row of conductive pads.

[0057] When the first interface portion of the electrical connector is fitted to the first board end connector, the first contact portion and the second contact portion of each first elongated conductive element engage with the corresponding conductive pads in the first row of conductive pads; the third contact portion and the fourth contact portion of each second elongated conductive element engage with the corresponding conductive pads in the second row of conductive pads.

[0058] In some exemplary embodiments, the first distal end of each first elongated conductive element extends through the mounting end of the second shell and is electrically connected to the corresponding connecting conductive portion in the first circuit board; and the second distal end of each second elongated conductive element extends through the mounting end of the second shell and is electrically connected to the corresponding connecting conductive portion in the first circuit board.

[0059] In some exemplary embodiments, the electronic system may further include: a second circuit board; and a second board connector having the same configuration as the first board connector, the second board connector being connected to the second circuit board.

[0060] The electrical connector is fitted to the second board-end connector so that the second interface portion of the electrical connector is inserted into the slot of the second board-end connector to achieve board-to-board interconnection between the first circuit board and the second circuit board.

[0061] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] The above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application can be more easily understood by referring to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In all drawings, the same or corresponding technical features or components will be represented by the same or corresponding reference numerals. In the drawings, the sizes and relative positions of the components are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0063] In the picture:

[0064] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0065] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0066] Figure 3 is a front view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0067] Figure 4 is a side view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0068] Figure 5 The electrical connector according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application is Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG.

[0069] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, wherein the first housing is removed.

[0070] Figure 7 is a front view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, wherein the first housing is removed.

[0071] Figure 8 is a side view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, wherein the first housing is removed.

[0072] Figure 9 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, wherein a first housing, a first elastic member, and a second elastic member are removed.

[0073] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a board-end connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0074] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a board connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, wherein the second housing is removed.

[0075] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a plurality of conductive sub-assemblies of a board connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0076] Figure 13 FIG. 1 is a side view of a conductive subassembly of a board connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0077] Figure 14 is a perspective view of an electronic system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0078] Figure 15It is an exploded view of an electronic system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, wherein a first circuit board, a first interface portion of a first electrical connector, a second interface portion, and multiple conductive sub-assemblies of a board-end connector are shown.

[0079] Figure 16 1 is a perspective view showing a first interface portion of a first electrical connector of an electronic system and a plurality of conductive sub-assemblies of a board connector in an engaged state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0080] Figure 17 is a side view illustrating a connection device of an electronic system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0081] Figure 18 The connecting device of the electronic system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application is along Figure 17 A cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG.

[0082] Figure 19 is a perspective view of an electronic system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0083] Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0084] Figure 21 is a side view of an electronic system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0085] Figure 22 is an electronic system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application Figure 21 A cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings with the aid of exemplary embodiments. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments of the present application are intended to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to easily implement the present application, and the various embodiments of the present application can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described in the present application. Accordingly, the following detailed description of the present application is merely for illustrative purposes and is by no means a limitation of the present application. In addition, the same reference numerals are used in the various drawings to represent the same components. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only for ease of description and are not to be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or relative order.

[0087] It should also be noted that, for the sake of clarity, not all features of the actual specific implementation are described and shown in the specification and drawings. In addition, in order to avoid unnecessary details obscuring the technical solutions that the present application focuses on, only the device structures closely related to the technical solutions of the present application are described and shown in the drawings and specification, while other details that are not closely related to the technical content of the present application and are known to those skilled in the art are omitted.

[0088] Next, an exemplary embodiment of the electrical connector according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity and simplicity, a three-dimensional rectangular coordinate system is annotated in the figures. Specifically, the electrical connector 1 has a length extending along a first direction Y; a width extending along a second direction X perpendicular to the first direction Y; and a width extending along a third direction Z perpendicular to both the first direction Y and the second direction X. The first direction Y, the second direction X, and the third direction Z are mutually perpendicular. The first direction Y also refers to the mating direction between the electrical connector and a corresponding mating connector.

[0089] It should be understood that the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", "front", "back", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0090] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, an electrical connector is provided. Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the electrical connector 1 includes: a first shell 10, the first shell 10 is formed to have a cylindrical shape, the first shell has a first opening portion 101 and a second opening portion 102 opposite to the first opening portion 101 in the first direction Y of the first shell; a first interface portion 20, the first interface portion 20 is at least partially arranged in the first shell 10, the first interface portion 20 includes a first conductive element and extends beyond the first opening portion 101 in the first direction; a first support member 30, the first support member 30 is at least partially received in the first shell 10 and positioned close to the first opening portion 101, the first interface portion 20 is fixedly connected to the first support member 30; a first elastic member 40, the first elastic member 40 is arranged between the outer surface of the first support member 30 and the inner surface of the first shell 10, the first elastic member 40 is deformable to allow the first support member 30 to be offset relative to the first shell 10 in at least one direction of the second direction X and the third direction Z.

[0091] The electrical connector 1 also includes a second interface portion 50, which is at least partially arranged in the first shell 10, and the second interface portion 50 includes a second conductive element and extends beyond the second opening portion 102 in the first direction Y; and a flexible interconnection portion 80, which is arranged between the first interface portion 20 and the second interface portion 50, and electrically connects the first conductive element of the first interface portion 20 with the second conductive element of the second interface portion 50.

[0092] By providing the deformable first elastic member 40, the first supporting member 30 fixedly connected to the first interface portion 20 is allowed to be deformed relative to the first housing 10 in the second direction X (eg, Figure 5 There is a certain amount of offset (floating) in at least one of the left and right directions shown in the figure and the third direction Z. That is to say, when the first interface portion 20 of the electrical connector 1 is inserted into the corresponding mating connector that mates with the electrical connector 1, when there is a certain position deviation between the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector, the first elastic member 40 can automatically perform position compensation through elastic deformation, still ensuring that a good mechanical connection and electrical connection between the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector are achieved. The first elastic member realizes a flexible connection and has a certain position compensation and buffering effect during the connection process, thereby improving the connection accuracy and stability between the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector, and also extending the service life of the electrical connector. Therefore, compared with the situation where the conventional male connector and the female connector require high-precision alignment to achieve interconnection, the electrical connector according to the present application uses a flexible connection method that can adapt to more complex installation environments.

[0093] The flexible interconnect 80 of the present application has good bending properties and flexibility, is not easily damaged, and can better withstand vibration and stress. In addition, the flexible interconnect can compensate for positional deviations between the first interface portion 20 and the second interface portion 50 in at least one of the first direction Y, the second direction X, and the third direction Z, thereby providing a reliable connection between the first interface portion 20 and the second interface portion 50 and a flexible layout design, providing greater flexibility and reliability in the design and manufacture of the electrical connector.

[0094] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 As shown, the electrical connector 1 also includes a second support member 60, which is at least partially received in the first shell 10 and positioned close to the second opening portion 102, and the second interface portion 50 is fixedly connected to the second support member 60; and a second elastic member 70, which is arranged between the outer surface of the second support member 60 and the inner surface of the first shell 10, and the second elastic member 70 is deformable to allow the second support member 60 to be offset relative to the first shell 10 in at least one of the second direction X and the third direction Z.

[0095] The second elastic member 70 provided between the outer surface of the second supporting member 60 and the inner surface of the first shell 10 has substantially the same function as the first elastic member 40. The second elastic member 70 allows the second supporting member 60 fixedly connected to the second interface portion 50 to be relatively movable relative to the first shell 10 in the second direction X (e.g., Figure 5 There is a certain amount of offset (float) in at least one of the left-right direction (shown in the figure) and the third direction Z. That is, when the second interface portion 50 of the electrical connector 1 is inserted into the corresponding mating connector that mates with the electrical connector 1, if there is a certain positional deviation between the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector, the second elastic member 70 can automatically compensate for the position through elastic deformation, still ensuring a good mechanical and electrical connection between the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector.

[0096] By using both the first elastic member 40 and the second elastic member 70, it is also possible to adjust the first interface portion 20 and the second interface portion 50 in the second direction X (eg, Figure 5 By compensating for positional deviations in at least one of the left and right directions (shown in the figure) and the third direction Z, a flexible connection can be achieved between the first interface portion 20 and the second interface portion 50 of the electrical connector 1, and between the first interface portion 20 and the second interface portion 50 and their respective corresponding connectors, thereby improving the connection accuracy and smoothness between the electrical connector 1 and the corresponding mating connector.

[0097] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the first support member 30 is provided with a mounting hole extending through the first support member 30 along the first direction Y, and the second support member 60 is provided with a mounting hole extending through the second support member 60 along the first direction Y.

[0098] In such Figures 3 to 5 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first support member 30 is provided with a first mounting hole 31 and a second mounting hole 33, which are arranged symmetrically about the first central axis AA of the electrical connector. The second support member 60 is provided with a third mounting hole 61 and a fourth mounting hole 63, which are arranged symmetrically about the first central axis AA of the electrical connector. The first mounting hole 31 and the third mounting hole 61 are aligned in the first direction Y of the electrical connector, and the second mounting hole 33 and the fourth mounting hole 63 are aligned in the first direction Y of the electrical connector.

[0099] It should be understood that the first central axis AA is a front view of the electrical connector 1 (eg Figure 3 The central axis of the electrical connector 1 is divided into two halves along the first direction Y as shown in FIG.

[0100] In such Figure 9 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first support member 30 includes a first body portion 310 received in the first shell 10, the outer peripheral surface of the first body portion is provided with a continuous first annular recess 34, and the first elastic member 40 is received in the first annular recess 34; and the second support member 60 includes a second body portion 610 received in the first shell 10, the outer peripheral surface of the second body portion is provided with a continuous second annular recess 64, and the second elastic member 70 is received in the second annular recess 64.

[0101] Alternatively, each of the first elastic member 40 and the second elastic member 70 is formed as an annular member surrounding the corresponding support member, at least a portion of the annular member is received in the corresponding annular recess, and another portion of the annular member extends to protrude outside the corresponding annular recess. Each of the first elastic member 40 and the second elastic member 70 can be elastically deformed relative to the first housing 10 in at least one of the second direction X and the third direction Z.

[0102] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the first support member 30 and the second support member 60 includes an engagement portion that engages with an outer surface of the first housing 10 to restrict movement of the first housing 10 in the first direction Y.

[0103] The first supporting member 30 is formed as a special-shaped member, and includes a first inner side surface adjacent to the flexible interconnection portion 80 and a first outer side surface opposite to the first inner side surface in the first direction Y. Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the first supporting member 30 includes a first engaging portion 35 and a second engaging portion 37 , which are provided on two opposite side edges of the first outer side surface in the third direction Z.

[0104] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first housing 10 includes a first housing side surface 105 and a second housing side surface 107 opposite to the first housing side surface 105 in the third direction Z. Figure 3 As shown, a first concave portion 111 and a second concave portion 115 are formed on the first housing side surface 105, and a third concave portion and a fourth concave portion are formed on the second housing side surface 107. The first engaging portion 35 engages with the first concave portion 111 of the first housing side surface, and the second engaging portion 37 engages with the third concave portion of the second housing side surface.

[0105] Alternatively, each of the first engaging portion 35 and the second engaging portion 37 may be formed as a snap-fit ​​portion that engages with a corresponding concave portion.

[0106] In some exemplary embodiments, the second support member 60 may be formed as a special-shaped piece, including a second inner surface adjacent to the flexible interconnection portion 80 and a second outer surface opposite to the second inner surface in the first direction Y. The second support member 60 includes a third engaging portion 65 and a fourth engaging portion 67, which are provided on opposite side edges of the second outer surface in the third direction Z.

[0107] like Figure 3 As shown, the third engaging portion 65 may engage with the second concave portion 115 of the first housing side surface 105 ; and the fourth engaging portion 67 engages with the fourth concave portion of the second housing side surface 107 .

[0108] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 8 As shown, each of the first engaging portion 35, the second engaging portion 37, the third engaging portion 65 and the fourth engaging portion 67 has a U-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction X, and an opening of the U-shape is disposed toward the flexible interconnection portion 80. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the two opposite side edges of the first shell side surface 105 of the first shell 10 in the first direction Y can be clamped between the first joint 35 and the third joint 65, and the two opposite side edges of the second shell side surface 107 of the first shell 10 in the first direction Y can be clamped between the second joint 37 and the fourth joint 67 to limit the movement of the first shell 10 in the first direction Y and the third direction Z.

[0109] In some exemplary embodiments, the first interface portion 20 may be disposed between the first mounting hole 31 and the second mounting hole 33 in the second direction X. The second interface portion 50 is disposed between the third mounting hole 61 and the fourth mounting hole 63 in the second direction X.

[0110] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 5 As shown, the first housing 10 includes a first accommodating portion 140 and a second accommodating portion 141 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the first housing. The first support member 30 is accommodated in the first accommodating portion, and the second support member 60 is accommodated in the second accommodating portion. Each of the first accommodating portion 140 and the second accommodating portion 141 is formed to have a concave shape and is spaced apart from each other in the first direction Y of the electrical connector.

[0111] Optionally, a convex step portion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the first shell 10 between the first accommodating portion 140 and the second accommodating portion 141 , and the convex step portion protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the first shell 10 to separate the first support member 30 from the second support member 60 .

[0112] In some exemplary embodiments, Figures 2 to 7 As shown, each of the first conductive element of the first interface portion 20 and the second conductive element of the second interface portion 50 is configured as a printed circuit board and includes a first terminal portion 250 provided with one or more power transmission contacts; and a second terminal portion 251 provided with one or more signal transmission contacts. The first terminal portion 250 and the second terminal portion 251 are spaced apart from each other in the second direction X.

[0113] Optionally, at least one of the first elastic member 40 and the second elastic member 70 is formed of a silicone rubber gasket. Optionally, at least one of the first elastic member 40 and the second elastic member 70 can be formed of one of the following materials: silicone rubber, fluororubber, butyl rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene, propylene-based elastomer, etc.

[0114] Alternatively, the flexible interconnect 80 may be a cable, such as a flexible flat cable (FFC) or a flexible printed circuit (FPC). Alternatively, the flexible interconnect 80 may be a cable comprising a plurality of conductors. In some examples, the flexible interconnect 80 is connected to the first interface portion 20 and the second interface portion 50 by welding. Alternatively, the flexible interconnect 80 is connected to the first interface portion 20 and the second interface portion 50 by a hot bar welding process. For example, the flexible interconnect 80 is connected to the first interface portion 20 and the second interface portion 50 by a pulse heating reflow soldering process.

[0115] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present application, a board-end connector 2 is also provided. Figure 10 As shown, the board connector 2 is configured as a female connector and is configured to be connected to a circuit board. The board connector 2 has a height extending along a first direction Y; a width extending along a second direction X perpendicular to the first direction Y; and a thickness extending along a third direction Z perpendicular to both the first direction Y and the second direction X.

[0116] exist Figure 10 In the embodiment shown, the board-end connector 2 may include: a terminal assembly 200, the terminal assembly including a plurality of conductive sub-assemblies and a receiving component for receiving the plurality of conductive sub-assemblies and formed as an integral piece with the plurality of conductive sub-assemblies; and a second shell 201, the second shell being formed with a plurality of channels for receiving the terminal assembly, the second shell 201 including a mounting end 210 for mounting on the circuit board and a mating end 220 opposite to the mounting end, the second shell 201 being formed with a slot 213, the plug-in interface of the slot being arranged at the mating end of the second shell 201.

[0117] like Figures 11 to 13As shown, a plurality of conductive subassemblies can be arranged side by side in a manner spaced apart from each other in the second direction X. Each conductive subassembly in the plurality of conductive subassemblies can include a pair of first elongated conductive elements 204 facing each other in the third direction Z; and a pair of second elongated conductive elements 206 facing each other in the third direction Z. The first elongated conductive elements 204 have a larger dimension in the first direction Y than the second elongated conductive elements 206, and the proximal ends of the first elongated conductive elements 204 are formed at the insertion interface of the slot.

[0118] Optionally, each conductive subassembly in the plurality of conductive subassemblies may be identical.

[0119] In this application Figure 12 In the exemplary embodiment shown, four conductive sub-assemblies among the plurality of conductive sub-assemblies are formed as power transmission terminals, and the remaining conductive sub-assemblies among the plurality of conductive sub-assemblies are formed as signal transmission terminals.

[0120] It should be understood that the number and arrangement of the power transmission terminals and the signal transmission terminals are not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein, but may be adjusted according to actual circumstances.

[0121] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 10 As shown, the second housing 201 includes a first protrusion 203 and a second protrusion 205 provided on opposite sides of the second housing 201 in the second direction X. The dimension of each of the first protrusion 203 and the second protrusion 205 in the first direction Y is smaller than the dimension of the first elongated conductive element in the first direction Y. Each of the first protrusion 203 and the second protrusion 205 is formed with an aperture 207. When the board connector 2 is connected to the circuit board via the connecting device, the connecting device will extend through the aperture.

[0122] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, each of the first elongated conductive elements 204 may include a first proximal end 231 adjacent to the plug interface, a first distal end 232 opposite the first proximal end, and one or more bends disposed between the first proximal and first distal ends. The paired first elongated conductive elements include a first contact portion 234 and a second contact portion 235 adjacent to the first proximal end and projecting toward the second center axis BB of the board connector, with the first and second contact portions exposed in the slot 213.

[0123] Each of the second elongated conductive elements 206 may include a second distal end 262 flush with the first distal end 232 of the first elongated conductive element; a second proximal end 261 opposite the second distal end; and one or more bends disposed between the second proximal and second distal ends. The paired second elongated conductive elements 206 include a third contact portion 264 and a fourth contact portion 265 adjacent to the second proximal end 261 and projecting toward the second center axis BB of the board connector. The third and fourth contact portions are exposed in the slot 213.

[0124] It should be understood that the second central axis BB is a side view of the board end connector 2 (eg Figure 13 ) is a central axis that bisects the board-side connector 2 into two halves along the first direction Y. It should be understood that the term "proximal end" used in the description of this application refers to the end adjacent to the mating end of the board-side connector, while the term "distal end" refers to the other end opposite to the proximal end and away from the mating end of the board-side connector.

[0125] In some exemplary embodiments, the pair of first elongated conductive elements 204 may be mirror images about the second center axis BB of the board connector 2. The pair of second elongated conductive elements 206 may be mirror images about the second center axis BB of the board connector.

[0126] In some exemplary embodiments, the distance between the first contact portion 234 of the first elongated conductive element 204 and the third contact portion 264 of the second elongated conductive element 206 in the first direction Y is in the range of 6 mm to 9 mm. Setting the distance between the first contact portion and the third contact portion for transmitting signals within the above range can ensure desired signal integrity performance, thereby avoiding a large product structure caused by an excessively large spacing or a large signal crosstalk caused by an excessively small spacing.

[0127] For example, in some embodiments, the distance between the first contact point 234 and the third contact point 264 in the first direction Y can be in the range of 7 mm to 8.5 mm. Setting the distance between the first contact point 234 and the third contact point 264 in the range of 7 mm to 8.5 mm can balance signal transmission quality and product size. Alternatively, the distance between the first contact point 234 and the third contact point 264 can be 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, or 8.5 mm.

[0128] In some exemplary embodiments, the first distal end 232 of each first elongated conductive element 204 extends through the mounting end 210 of the second housing 201 and has an L-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction X (eg, Figure 12 and Figure 13The second distal end portion 262 of each second elongated conductive element 206 extends through the mounting end portion 210 of the second housing 201 and has a T-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction X (as shown). Figure 12 and Figure 13 shown).

[0129] It should be understood that the shapes of the first distal end of the first elongated conductive element 204 and the second distal end of the second elongated conductive element 206 are not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein, but may be adjusted according to actual circumstances.

[0130] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the second elongated conductive elements 206 includes a twisting portion 263 disposed between a second proximal end 262 and a second distal end 261. Twisting portion 263 connects a first ribbon portion and a second ribbon portion disposed at opposite ends of twisting portion 263, such that a normal direction of a major surface of the first ribbon portion and a normal direction of a major surface of the second ribbon portion form a twist angle ranging from 0 to 90 degrees. Twisting portion 263 reduces the rigidity of the second elongated conductive element, thereby reducing the insertion force and retention force of board connector 2.

[0131] The twist angle is set within the range of 0 to 90 degrees so that the contact portion (contact surface portion) of the second elongated conductive element 206 located above the twisted portion 263 in the first direction Y can form as much line contact as possible with the connector (e.g., a card) to be inserted into the slot, thereby ensuring transmission quality. This prevents point contact between the contact surface of the contact portion and the corresponding connector (e.g., a card) (caused by an excessively large or small twist angle), as point contact can affect transmission quality.

[0132] Alternatively, the twist angle of the twist portion may be about 45 degrees, about 80 degrees, or about 90 degrees. In some examples, each of the first elongated conductive element 204 and the second elongated conductive element 206 may be provided with a corresponding twist portion.

[0133] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 13 As shown, each first elongated conductive element 204 includes a support arm 245 and a resilient arm 247 disposed between the first proximal end 231 and the first distal end 232. The support arm 245 is adjacent to the first distal end 232 and connected to the resilient arm 247, and each of the first contact portion 234 and the second contact portion 235 is disposed on the resilient arm 247. The resilient arm 247 is inclined relative to the support arm 245.

[0134] The elastic arm 247 may include a main elastic arm 126 and a secondary elastic arm 127, both of which extend from the position where the elastic arm 247 is connected to the support arm 245 in a direction away from the support arm 245, and the main elastic arm 126 and the secondary elastic arm 127 are spaced apart from each other, and each of the first contact portion 234 and the second contact portion 235 is arranged on a side of the main elastic arm 126 that is away from the secondary elastic arm 127.

[0135] Optionally, the length of the main elastic arm 126 is greater than the length of the secondary elastic arm 127 .

[0136] In some embodiments, either or both of the first elongated conductive element 204 and the second elongated conductive element 206 may include a primary spring arm and a secondary spring arm that may be shaped to provide a desired insertion force or retention force to the respective contact portions of the first elongated conductive element 204 and the second elongated conductive element 206.

[0137] The elastic arm of the first elongated conductive element 204 is designed as two separate parts, namely a main elastic arm 126 and a secondary elastic arm 127. In this way, when a corresponding mating connector (e.g., a card) is inserted into the slot of the board-end connector, the resistance generated by the contact portion of the first elongated conductive element can be reduced. Therefore, the user can easily perform the insertion. In addition, there is a gap between the main elastic arm 126 and the secondary elastic arm 127. The end at which the main elastic arm 126 and the secondary elastic arm 127 are connected is relatively fixed, and the free ends of the main elastic arm 126 and the secondary elastic arm 127 are independent of each other. When the contact portion provided on the main elastic arm 126 mates with the corresponding conductive pad of the mating connector, the main elastic arm 126 and the secondary elastic arm 127 elastically deform, effectively absorbing a certain amount of impact force, thereby extending the service life of the board-end connector 2.

[0138] In addition, the present application provides an electronic system. Figure 14 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the electronic system 100 includes: a first circuit board 3; a first board-end connector 2, the first board-end connector is the board-end connector 2 according to claim 1, and the first board-end connector is connected to the first circuit board through a connecting device 5; and an electrical connector 1, the electrical connector is the electrical connector according to claim 1, and the electrical connector is fitted to the first board-end connector so that the first interface portion 20 of the electrical connector is inserted into the slot 213 of the first board-end connector.

[0139] As previously mentioned, the second housing 201 of the first board-end connector 2 includes a first protrusion 203 and a second protrusion 205 provided on opposite sides of the second housing 201 in the second direction X. The dimension of each of the first protrusion 203 and the second protrusion 205 in the first direction Y is smaller than the dimension of the first elongated conductive element 104 in the first direction Y. Each of the first protrusion 203 and the second protrusion 205 is formed with an aperture 207 (e.g., Figure 10 shown).

[0140] The first support member 30 is provided with mounting holes 31 , 33 extending along the first direction Y through the first support member 30 .

[0141] like Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the connecting device 5 may include a locking portion 51 and a guide portion 52 connected to the locking portion 51, and the guide portion 52 extends along the first direction Y. The first board connector 2 is fixedly connected to the first circuit board through the locking portion 51. Figure 20 As shown, the guide portion 52 extends through the aperture of the second housing 201 and extends beyond the mating end 220 of the second housing 201 .

[0142] When the electric connector 1 is fitted to the first board connector 2 , the guide portion 52 is inserted into the mounting hole of the first support member 30 of the electric connector.

[0143] exist Figure 17 and Figure 18 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the locking portion 51 includes a first cylindrical portion 501 connected to the guide portion and a second cylindrical portion 503 having a smaller diameter than the first cylindrical portion. A first stopper 502 is formed at the interface between the first and second cylindrical portions. The connecting device 5 includes a second stopper 504 spaced apart from the first stopper in the first direction Y.

[0144] The end of the locking portion 51 opposite the guide portion includes a hollow cavity with an internal thread. When the threaded connector 509 is inserted into the hollow cavity and engages with the internal thread, the first circuit board 3 is clamped between the first stop 502 and the second stop 504. Thus, the threaded connector securely attaches the first board connector 2 to the first circuit board 3. This threaded connection is not prone to loosening, has excellent shock resistance, can withstand large tensile and shear forces, and is easy to disassemble, making it convenient for maintenance and repair.

[0145] The guide portion 52 of the connecting device 5 can be formed as a high-strength guide column to guide the insertion of the electrical connector 1, and can support blind insertion of the electrical connector 1, reducing assembly time, reducing assembly errors and installation costs, thereby improving assembly efficiency and enhancing assembly convenience.

[0146] In some examples, when the electrical connector 1 is fitted to the first board connector 2 , the guide portion 52 is connected to the mounting holes 31 , 33 of the first support member 30 of the electrical connector in a clearance fit manner.

[0147] In some exemplary embodiments, the first conductive element of the first interface portion 20 includes a first terminal portion 250 having one or more power transmission contact portions; and a second terminal portion 251 having one or more signal transmission contact portions, and the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are spaced apart from each other in the second direction X.

[0148] One or more of the plurality of conductive sub-components of the first board-side connector 2 are formed as power transmission terminals, and one or more of the plurality of conductive sub-components are formed as signal transmission terminals.

[0149] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, when the electrical connector 1 is fitted to the first board-end connector 2, the power transmission contact portion of the first interface portion 20 is connected to the corresponding contact portion of the power transmission terminal of the first board-end connector to achieve power transmission between the electrical connector 1 and the first board-end connector 2. The signal transmission contact portion of the first interface portion 20 is connected to the corresponding contact portion of the signal transmission terminal of the first board-end connector 2 to achieve signal transmission between the electrical connector 1 and the first board-end connector. In this way, a reliable power transmission path and a high-quality signal transmission path can be provided between the electrical connector 1 and the first board-end connector 2, thereby meeting the needs of a wider range of electronic communication systems.

[0150] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the first elongated conductive elements of the first board connector 2 includes a first proximal end 231 adjacent to the plug interface, a first distal end 232 opposite the first proximal end, and one or more bends disposed between the first proximal and first distal ends. The paired first elongated conductive elements 204 include a first contact portion 234 and a second contact portion 235 adjacent to the first proximal end 231 and projecting toward the second center axis BB of the board connector. The first contact portion 234 and the second contact portion 235 are exposed in the slot 213.

[0151] Each of the second elongated conductive elements 206 of the first board connector includes a second distal end 262 flush with the first distal end 232 of the first elongated conductive element; a second proximal end 261 opposite the second distal end; and one or more bends disposed between the second proximal and second distal ends. The paired second elongated conductive elements include a third contact portion 264 and a fourth contact portion 265 adjacent to the second proximal end 262 and projecting toward the second center axis BB of the board connector. The third contact portion 264 and the fourth contact portion 265 are exposed in the slot 213.

[0152] The first interface portion 20 includes a first interface side surface and a second interface side surface opposite to the first interface side surface in the third direction Z. Each of the power transmission contact portion and the signal transmission contact portion of the first interface portion 20 includes a plurality of conductive pads exposed at the first interface side surface and the second interface side surface. Figure 15 As shown, the plurality of conductive pads of the first interface portion 20 include a first row of conductive pads 281 and a second row of conductive pads 283, both arranged along the second direction X. The first row of conductive pads 281 and the second row of conductive pads 283 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction Y. The second row of conductive pads 283 is closer to the free end of the first interface portion 20 than the first row of conductive pads 281.

[0153] It should be understood that the number and arrangement of the conductive pads of each of the power transmission contact portion and the signal transmission contact portion of the first interface portion 20 are not limited to those shown in the drawings, but may be adjusted according to specific circumstances.

[0154] like Figure 16 As shown, when the first interface portion 20 of the electrical connector 1 is fitted to the first board connector 2, the first contact portion 234 and the second contact portion 235 of each first elongated conductive element engage with a corresponding conductive pad in the first row of conductive pads 281. The third contact portion 264 and the fourth contact portion 265 of each second elongated conductive element engage with a corresponding conductive pad in the second row of conductive pads 283.

[0155] In some example embodiments, the first distal end 232 of each first elongated conductive element 204 extends through the mounting end 210 of the second housing 201 and is electrically connected to a corresponding connecting conductive portion in the first circuit board 3. The second distal end 232 of each second elongated conductive element 206 extends through the mounting end 210 of the second housing 201 and is electrically connected to a corresponding connecting conductive portion in the first circuit board 3. In some examples, the first board connector 2 includes a plurality of retaining members 290 (e.g., Figure 10 As shown), the retaining member 290 is, for example, a retaining clip.

[0156] exist Figures 19 to 22 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the electronic system 100 may further include: a second circuit board 7 , and a second board connector 8 , the second board connector being constructed similarly to the first board connector 2 and connected to the second circuit board 7 .

[0157] The electrical connector 1 is fitted to the second board connector 8 so that the second interface portion 50 of the electrical connector 1 is inserted into the slot of the second board connector 8 to achieve board-to-board interconnection between the first circuit board 3 and the second circuit board 7 .

[0158] exist Figures 20 to 22 In the illustrated embodiment, when the first interface portion 20 of the electrical connector 1 is inserted into the first board-end connector 2 and the second interface portion 50 of the electrical connector 1 is inserted into the second board-end connector 8, if there is a certain positional deviation between the electrical connector 1 and the first board-end connector 2 and / or the second board-end connector 8, the first elastic member 40 and the second elastic member 70 can automatically compensate for the position through elastic deformation, still ensuring that the electrical connector 1 is mechanically and electrically connected to the first board-end connector 2 and the second board-end connector 8, respectively. In other words, the first elastic member 40 and the second elastic member 70 can both be offset (floated) relative to the first housing 10 in at least one of the second direction X and the third direction Z, achieving a flexible connection and providing a certain degree of positional compensation and buffering during the connection process, thereby improving the accuracy and stability of the connection between the electrical connector 1 and the two mating board-end connectors, while also extending the service life of the electrical connector 1. Therefore, compared with the conventional male and female connectors that require high-precision alignment to achieve interconnection, the electronic system according to the present application uses a flexible connection method that can adapt to more complex installation environments.

[0159] Although the present application has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments described and illustrated in detail herein. Those skilled in the art may make various changes to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope defined by the claims of the present application.

[0160] The features mentioned and / or illustrated in the above description of the exemplary embodiments of the present application may be incorporated into one or more other embodiments in the same or similar manner, combined with features in other embodiments, or substituted for corresponding features in other embodiments. The technical solutions obtained by such combination or substitution shall also be deemed to be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, the electrical connector (1) having a length extending along a first direction (Y); a width extending along a second direction (X) perpendicular to the first direction (Y); and a thickness extending along a third direction (Z) perpendicular to both the first direction (Y) and the second direction (X), characterized in that: The electrical connector (1) comprises: a first housing (10) formed to have a cylindrical shape, the first housing having a first opening portion (101) and a second opening portion (102) opposite to the first opening portion (101) in a first direction (Y) of the first housing, A first interface portion (20), the first interface portion (20) being at least partially disposed in the first housing (10), the first interface portion (20) comprising a first conductive element and being disposed in the first housing (10). Extending in a first direction beyond the first opening (101), a first support member (30) at least partially received in the first housing (10) and positioned proximate to the first opening portion (101), the first interface portion (20) being fixedly connected to the first support member (30); a first elastic member (40), the first elastic member (40) being disposed between the outer surface of the first supporting member (30) and the inner surface of the first shell (10), the first elastic member (40) being deformable to allow the first supporting member (30) to be deformed between the outer surface of the first supporting member (30) and the inner surface of the first shell (10); offset relative to the first housing (10) in at least one of the second direction (X) and the third direction (Z); a second interface portion (50), the second interface portion (50) being at least partially disposed in the first housing (10), the second interface portion (50) comprising a second conductive element and extending beyond the second opening portion (102) in the first direction (Y); and A flexible interconnection part (80) is provided between the first interface part (20) and the second interface part (50) and electrically connects the first conductive element of the first interface part (20) with the second conductive element of the second interface part (50).

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical connector further includes a second support member (60) at least partially received in the first housing (10) and positioned proximate to the second opening portion (102), the second interface portion (50) being fixedly connected to the second support member (60); as well as a second elastic member (70), wherein the second elastic member (70) is arranged between the outer surface of the second supporting member (60) and the inner surface of the first shell (10), and the second elastic member (70) is deformable to allow the second supporting member (60) to be offset relative to the first shell (10) in at least one of the second direction (X) and the third direction (Z).

3. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein: The first support member (30) is provided with a mounting hole extending through the first support member (30) along the first direction (Y), and the second support member (60) is provided with a mounting hole extending through the second support member (60) along the first direction (Y).

4. The electrical connector according to claim 3, wherein: The first supporting member (30) is provided with a first mounting hole (31) and a second mounting hole (33), and the first mounting hole (31) and the second mounting hole (33) are arranged to be symmetrical about a first center axis (AA) of the electrical connector; the second supporting member (60) is provided with a third mounting hole (61) and a fourth mounting hole (63), and the third mounting hole (61) and the fourth mounting hole (63) are arranged to be symmetrical about the first center axis (AA) of the electrical connector, the first mounting hole (31) and the third mounting hole (61) are aligned in a first direction (Y) of the electrical connector; and the second mounting hole (33) and the fourth mounting hole (63) are aligned in the first direction (Y) of the electrical connector.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein: The first supporting member (30) includes a first body portion (310) received in the first housing (10), an outer peripheral surface of the first body portion is provided with a continuous first annular recess (34), and the first elastic member (40) is received in the first annular recess (34); as well as The second supporting member (60) includes a second body portion (610) received in the first shell (10), an outer peripheral surface of the second body portion is provided with a continuous second annular recess (64), and the second elastic member (70) is received in the second annular recess (64).

6. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: Each of the first supporting member (30) and the second supporting member (60) includes an engaging portion engaged with an outer surface of the first housing (10) to restrict movement of the first housing (10) in the first direction (Y).

7. The electrical connector according to claim 6, wherein: The first supporting member (30) is formed as a special-shaped piece, and the first supporting member (30) includes a first inner side surface adjacent to the flexible interconnection portion (80) and a first outer side surface opposite to the first inner side surface in the first direction (Y). The first supporting member (30) includes a first engaging portion (35) and a second engaging portion (37), wherein the first engaging portion (35) and the second engaging portion (37) are provided on two opposite side edges of the first outer side surface in the third direction (Z); The first shell (10) includes a first shell side surface (105) and a second shell side surface (107) opposite to the first shell side surface (105) in the third direction (Z), a first concave portion (111) and a second concave portion (115) are formed on the first shell side surface (105), and a third concave portion and a fourth concave portion are formed on the second shell side surface (107); The first engaging portion (35) engages with a first concave portion (111) of the first housing side surface; and the second engaging portion (37) engages with a third concave portion of the second housing side surface.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 7, wherein: The second supporting member (60) is formed as a special-shaped piece, and the second supporting member (60) includes a second inner side surface adjacent to the flexible interconnection portion (80) and a second outer side surface opposite to the second inner side surface in the first direction (Y), The second supporting member (60) includes a third engaging portion (65) and a fourth engaging portion (67), wherein the third engaging portion (65) and the fourth engaging portion (67) are provided on two opposite side edges of the second outer side surface in the third direction (Z); The third engaging portion (65) engages with the second concave portion (115) of the first housing side surface (105); and the fourth engaging portion (67) engages with the fourth concave portion of the second housing side surface (107).

9. The electrical connector according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the first engaging portion (35), the second engaging portion (37), the third engaging portion (65) and the fourth engaging portion (67) has a U-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction (X), and an opening portion of the U-shape is arranged to face the flexible interconnection portion (80).

10. The electrical connector according to claim 4, wherein: The first interface portion (20) is arranged between the first mounting hole (31) and the second mounting hole (33) in the second direction (X); and the second interface portion (50) is arranged between the third mounting hole (61) and the fourth mounting hole (63) in the second direction (X).

11. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The first shell includes a first accommodating portion (140) and a second accommodating portion (141) provided on an inner circumferential surface of the first shell, the first supporting member (30) is accommodated in the first accommodating portion, the second supporting member (60) is accommodated in the second accommodating portion, each of the first accommodating portion (140) and the second accommodating portion (141) being formed to have a concave shape and spaced apart from each other in the first direction (Y) of the electrical connector.

12. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Each of the first conductive element of the first interface portion (20) and the second conductive element of the second interface portion (50) is configured as a printed circuit board and includes a first terminal portion (250) provided with one or more power transmission contacts; and a second terminal portion (251) provided with one or more signal transmission contact portions, wherein the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are spaced apart from each other in the second direction (X).

13. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: At least one of the first elastic member (40) and the second elastic member (70) is formed of a silicone rubber gasket.

14. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The flexible interconnection portion (80) comprises a flexible flat cable, and the flexible flat cable is connected to the first interface portion (20) and the second interface portion (50) by welding.

15. A board-end connector, the board-end connector (2) having a height extending along a first direction (Y); a width extending along a second direction (X) perpendicular to the first direction (Y); and a thickness extending along a third direction (Z) perpendicular to both the first direction (Y) and the second direction (X), the board-end connector (2) comprising: A terminal assembly (200), comprising a plurality of conductive subassemblies and a receiving component for receiving the plurality of conductive subassemblies and formed as an integral piece with the plurality of conductive subassemblies; as well as A second housing (201), wherein the second housing is formed with a plurality of channels for receiving the terminal assembly, the second housing (201) includes a mounting end (210) for mounting on a circuit board and a mating end (220) opposite to the mounting end, the second housing (201) is formed with a slot (213), and an insertion interface of the slot (213) is provided at the mating end of the second housing; The invention is characterized in that the plurality of conductive subassemblies are arranged side by side in a manner spaced apart from each other in the second direction (X), and each conductive subassembly in the plurality of conductive subassemblies includes a pair of first elongated conductive elements (204) facing each other in the third direction (Z); and a pair of second elongated conductive elements (206) facing each other in the third direction (Z), the size of the first elongated conductive element (204) in the first direction (Y) being larger than the size of the second elongated conductive element (206) in the first direction (Y), and the proximal end of the first elongated conductive element (204) being formed at the insertion interface of the slot.

16. The board connector according to claim 15, wherein: Four conductive sub-components among the plurality of conductive sub-components form power transmission terminals, and the remaining conductive sub-components among the plurality of conductive sub-components form signal transmission terminals.

17. The board connector according to claim 15, wherein: The second shell (201) includes a first protrusion (203) and a second protrusion (205) arranged on opposite sides of the second shell (201) in the second direction (X), the size of each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the first direction (Y) being smaller than the size of the first elongated conductive element in the first direction (Y), and each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is formed with an orifice (207).

18. The board connector according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that: Each of the first elongated conductive elements (204) comprises a first proximal end portion (231) adjacent to the plug interface, a first distal end portion (232) opposite to the first proximal end portion, and one or more bent portions arranged between the first proximal end portion and the first distal end portion, and the first elongated conductive elements in a pair comprise a first contact portion (234) and a second contact portion (235) adjacent to the first proximal end portion and protruding toward a second center axis (BB) of the board-end connector, the first contact portion and the second contact portion being exposed in the slot (213); Each of the second elongated conductive elements (206) includes: a second distal end (262) flush with the first distal end (232) of the first elongated conductive element; A second proximal end portion (261) opposite to the second distal end portion, and one or more bends arranged between the second proximal end portion and the second distal end portion, the paired second elongated conductive elements (206) including a third contact portion (264) and a fourth contact portion (265) adjacent to the second proximal end portion (261) and protruding toward the second center axis (BB) of the board-end connector, the third contact portion and the fourth contact portion being exposed in the slot (213).

19. The board connector according to claim 18, wherein: The pair of the first elongated conductive elements (204) are mirror images about the second center axis (BB) of the board connector; and the pair of the second elongated conductive elements (206) are mirror images about the second center axis (BB) of the board connector.

20. The board connector according to claim 19, wherein: A distance between the first contact portion (234) of the first elongated conductive element (204) and the third contact portion (264) of the second elongated conductive element (206) is in the range of 6 mm to 9 mm.

21. The board connector according to claim 18, wherein: The first distal end (232) of each first elongated conductive element (204) extends through the mounting end (210) of the second housing (201) and has an L-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction (X); And the second distal end portion (262) of each second elongated conductive element (206) extends through the mounting end portion (210) of the second housing (201) and has a T-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction (X).

22. The board connector according to claim 18, wherein: Each of the second elongated conductive elements (206) includes a twisting portion (263) arranged between the second proximal end (262) and the second distal end (261), the twisting portion connecting the first strip-shaped portion and the second strip-shaped portion arranged at opposite ends of the twisting portion (263) so that the normal direction of the main surface of the first strip-shaped portion and the normal direction of the main surface of the second strip-shaped portion form a twist angle in the range of 0 to 90 degrees.

23. The board connector according to claim 18, wherein: Each first elongated conductive element (204) includes a support arm (245) and an elastic arm (247) arranged between the first proximal end (231) and the first distal end (232), the support arm (245) being adjacent to the first distal end (232) and connected to the elastic arm (247), and each of the first contact portion (234) and the second contact portion (235) being arranged on the elastic arm (247).

24. The board connector according to claim 23, wherein: The elastic arm (247) includes a main elastic arm (126) and a secondary elastic arm (127), both of the main elastic arm (126) and the secondary elastic arm (127) extend from a position where the elastic arm (247) is connected to the support arm (245) in a direction away from the support arm (245), and the main elastic arm (126) and the secondary elastic arm (127) are spaced apart from each other, and each of the first contact portion (234) and the second contact portion (235) is arranged on a side of the main elastic arm (126) that is opposite to the secondary elastic arm (127).

25. The board connector according to claim 24, wherein: The length of the main elastic arm (126) is greater than the length of the secondary elastic arm (127).

26. An electronic system, characterized in that: The electronic system (100) comprises: a first circuit board (3); a first board-end connector (2), the first board-end connector being the board-end connector (2) according to claim 15, the first board-end connector being connected to the first circuit board (3) via a connecting device (5); and An electrical connector (1), the electrical connector being the electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connector is fitted to the first board-end connector so that the first interface portion (20) of the electrical connector is inserted into the slot (213) of the first board-end connector.

27. The electronic system according to claim 26, wherein: The second housing (201) of the first board-end connector (2) includes a first protrusion (203) and a second protrusion (205) provided on opposite sides of the second housing (201) in the second direction (X), the dimension of each of the first protrusion (203) and the second protrusion (205) in the first direction (Y) being smaller than the dimension of the first elongated conductive element (104) in the first direction (Y), and each of the first protrusion (203) and the second protrusion (205) being formed with an orifice (207), The first supporting member (30) is provided with mounting holes (31, 33) extending through the first supporting member (30) along the first direction (Y). The connecting device (5) comprises a locking portion (51) and a guiding portion (52) connected to the locking portion (51), the guiding portion (52) extending along the first direction (Y), the first board-end connector (2) being fixedly connected to the first circuit board via the locking portion (51), the guiding portion (52) extending through the opening of the second housing (201) and extending beyond the mating end (220) of the second housing (201), When the electrical connector (1) is fitted to the first board-side connector (2), the guide portion (52) is inserted into the mounting hole of the first supporting member (30) of the electrical connector.

28. The electronic system according to claim 27, wherein: The locking portion (51) includes a first cylindrical portion (501) connected to the guide portion and a second cylindrical portion (503) having a diameter smaller than that of the first cylindrical portion, a first stop portion (502) is formed at the joint surface of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, the connecting device (5) includes a second stop portion (504) spaced apart from the first stop portion in the first direction (Y), and an end portion of the locking portion (51) opposite to the guide portion includes a hollow cavity provided with an internal thread portion, and when a threaded connector (509) is inserted into the hollow cavity and engaged with the internal thread portion, the first circuit board (3) is clamped between the first stop portion (502) and the second stop portion (504).

29. The electronic system according to claim 28, wherein: When the electrical connector (1) is fitted to the first board-end connector (2), the guide portion (52) is connected to the mounting holes (31, 33) of the first supporting member (30) of the electrical connector in a clearance-fit manner.

30. The electronic system according to claim 26, wherein: The first conductive element of the first interface portion (20) includes a first terminal portion (250) provided with one or more power transmission contacts; and a second terminal portion (251) provided with one or more signal transmission contacts, the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion being spaced apart from each other in the second direction (X); One or more of the plurality of conductive sub-components of the first board-side connector (2) is formed as a power transmission terminal, and another one or more of the plurality of conductive sub-components is formed as a signal transmission terminal. When the electrical connector (1) is fitted to the first board-end connector (2), the power transmission contact portion of the first interface portion (20) is connected to the corresponding contact portion of the power transmission terminal of the first board-end connector to achieve power transmission between the electrical connector (1) and the first board-end connector (2); and the signal transmission contact portion of the first interface portion (20) is connected to the corresponding contact portion of the signal transmission terminal of the first board-end connector (2) to achieve signal transmission between the electrical connector (1) and the first board-end connector (2).

31. The electronic system according to claim 30, wherein: Each of the first elongated conductive elements of the first board-end connector comprises a first proximal end portion (231) adjacent to the plug interface, a first distal end portion (232) opposite to the first proximal end portion, and one or more bent portions arranged between the first proximal end portion and the first distal end portion, and the paired first elongated conductive elements (204) comprise a first contact portion (234) and a second contact portion (235) adjacent to the first proximal end portion (231) and protruding toward a second center axis (BB) of the board-end connector, wherein the first contact portion and the second contact portion are exposed in the slot (213); Each of the second elongated conductive elements (206) of the first board-end connector includes: a second distal end (262) flush with the first distal end (232) of the first elongated conductive element; a second proximal end portion (261) opposite to the second distal end portion, and one or more bends disposed between the second proximal end portion and the second distal end portion, the paired second elongated conductive elements comprising a third contact portion (264) and a fourth contact portion (265) adjacent to the second proximal end portion (262) and protruding toward a second center axis (BB) of the board-end connector, the third contact portion and the fourth contact portion being exposed in the slot (213), The first interface portion (20) includes a first interface side surface and a second interface side surface opposite to the first interface side surface in the third direction (Z), each of the power transmission contact portion and the signal transmission contact portion of the first interface portion (20) includes a plurality of conductive pads exposed at the first interface side surface and the second interface side surface, and the plurality of conductive pads include a first row of conductive pads (281) and a second row of conductive pads (283) both arranged along the second direction (X), the first row of conductive pads and the second row of conductive pads are spaced apart from each other in the first direction (Y), and the second row of conductive pads (283) are closer to the free end of the first interface portion (20) than the first row of conductive pads (281); When the first interface portion (20) of the electrical connector (1) is fitted to the first board-end connector (2), the first contact portion (234) and the second contact portion (235) of each first elongated conductive element engage with corresponding conductive pads in the first row of conductive pads (281); and the third contact portion (264) and the fourth contact portion (265) of each second elongated conductive element engage with corresponding conductive pads in the second row of conductive pads (283).

32. The electronic system according to claim 31, wherein: The first distal end (232) of each first elongated conductive element (204) extends through the mounting end (210) of the second shell (201) and is electrically connected to the corresponding connecting conductive portion in the first circuit board (3); and the second distal end of each second elongated conductive element (206) extends through the mounting end (210) of the second shell (201) and is electrically connected to the corresponding connecting conductive portion in the first circuit board (3).

33. The electronic system according to any one of claims 26 to 32, characterized in that The electronic system further comprises: a second circuit board (7), and a second board-end connector (8), the second board-end connector being constructed in the same manner as the first board-end connector (2), the second board-end connector being connected to the second circuit board (7); The electrical connector (1) is fitted to the second board-end connector (8) so that the second interface portion (50) of the electrical connector (1) is inserted into the slot of the second board-end connector (8) to achieve board-to-board interconnection between the first circuit board (3) and the second circuit board (7).

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