Modular connector

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular connector, which is arranged on a printed circuit board and is used for plugging a paired connector. The modular connector comprises at least one signal module and a plurality of power supply modules. The at least one signal module includes a first insulating housing and a plurality of first contacts. Each of the power modules includes a second insulating housing and a plurality of second contacts. Wherein the at least one signal module is detachably connected between the power supply modules, the paired connector is provided with a plurality of signal contact elements and a plurality of power supply contact elements, and when the signal contact elements and the power supply contact elements are electrically connected, the signal contact elements and the power supply contact elements are respectively and correspondingly contacted with the first contact elements and the second contact elements, so that the signal contact elements and the power supply contact elements are electrically connected. The modular connector can transmit signals and current at the same time, and the signal module and the power module have combined selectivity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a modular connector, and more particularly to a modular connector having a hybrid power module and a signal module. Background Technology

[0002] Board-to-board connectors are common electronic connectors used to connect two circuit boards to enable the transmission of signals, data, and power. This is particularly important in the automotive industry, where the simultaneous transmission of high-current power and signals is required. However, traditional board-to-board connector designs have certain limitations, such as the fixed design of plug and socket connectors, meaning the contact positions of the signal and power terminals are fixed. As the market demand for board-to-board connectors continues to grow, the number of terminals and installation flexibility of the connectors also need to be constantly adjusted to meet diverse application requirements.

[0003] Current board-to-board connector designs have some inherent drawbacks. First, the fixed terminal positions limit connector flexibility, making it difficult to adapt to circuit boards of different sizes and layouts. This can lead to design and layout limitations, increasing system complexity and cost. Second, the fixed connector design is susceptible to mechanical stress, especially under frequent connection and disconnection, which can easily cause connector damage, reducing system reliability and lifespan. Furthermore, traditional connectors have slow installation speeds, limiting production efficiency and increasing costs. Especially in mass production, higher production efficiency is needed to meet market demands. For automotive applications requiring the simultaneous transmission of high currents, traditional connector designs may not meet the high current requirements, resulting in performance limitations and safety hazards.

[0004] In view of this, the present invention proposes a modular connector for board-to-board connection to solve the problems faced by traditional board-to-board connectors, such as the inability to adjust terminal positions, low installation efficiency, and the tendency to generate high temperatures. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a modular connector comprising a connection combination of a signal module and a power module. Both the signal module and the power module are mounted on a printed circuit board and have corresponding engaging portions. Users can select different combinations of modules using their respective engaging portions to form modular connectors according to actual connector usage requirements, and can arbitrarily connect or detach individual modules. Therefore, the modular connector offers rapid installation and a high degree of flexibility in adjusting the number of terminals used for connecting signals and power.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention discloses a modular connector disposed on a printed circuit board for insertion into a mating connector. The modular connector includes at least one signal module and multiple power modules. The at least one signal module includes a first insulating housing and multiple first contacts, the first contacts being disposed on the first insulating housing and arranged adjacent to each other along a first direction. Each power module includes a second insulating housing and multiple second contacts, the second contacts being disposed on the second insulating housing and arranged adjacent to each other along the first direction. The at least one signal module is detachably connected to the power modules, and the mating connector has multiple signal contacts and multiple power contacts.

[0007] In one embodiment, the at least one signal module further includes two first engaging portions, and the power module further includes at least one second engaging portion. The first engaging portions are respectively formed on corresponding sides of the first insulating housing, and the at least one second engaging portion is formed on one end of the second insulating housing near the signal module. The first engaging portions are correspondingly connected to the at least one second engaging portion.

[0008] In one embodiment, the modular connector further includes a cover disposed at one end of the first insulating housing away from the printed circuit board. The cover also has a body and a plurality of extensions extending from the body along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first insulating housing has a first housing body and a plurality of first receiving grooves, the first receiving grooves being disposed within the first housing body for partial placement of the first contact member; the second insulating housing has a second housing body and a plurality of second receiving grooves, the second receiving grooves being disposed within the second housing body for partial placement of the second contact member.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first insulating housing further includes a plurality of recesses formed on opposite sides of the first housing body for engaging with the extension section.

[0011] In one embodiment, the power module further includes a clamping member, and the second insulating housing further includes a through groove formed on the side of the second housing body that does not contact the at least one signal module, and the clamping member is correspondingly disposed in the through groove.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first contact includes a first fixing portion and a first contact portion, and the second contact includes a second fixing portion and at least one second contact portion. The first fixing portion and the second fixing portion are respectively embedded in the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove. When the modular connector is engaged, the first contact portion and the at least one second contact portion respectively contact the signal contact and the power contact.

[0013] In another embodiment, the second contact members are disposed in pairs in each of the second receiving slots.

[0014] In another embodiment, the at least one signal module includes a plurality of signal modules, which are arranged alternately with the power module.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first contact further includes a first solder pad, and the second contact further includes at least one second solder pad, the first solder pad and the at least one second solder pad being soldered to the printed circuit board.

[0016] Other objects of the invention, as well as the means and embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon referring to the accompanying drawings and the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the modular connector of the first embodiment of the present invention in the engaged state;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the modular connector of the first embodiment of the present invention when it is not engaged.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the mating connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the mating connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention from another perspective;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a modular connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is another schematic diagram of the modular connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the mating connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the modular connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the power module and signal module of the mating connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the power module and signal module of the modular connector according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the second contact element according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the second contact member in contact according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the second contact member according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a modular connector according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

[0031] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a modular connector according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0033] 100 Modular Connectors

[0034] 200 mating connectors

[0035] 201 Signal Contact

[0036] 202 Power Contact

[0037] 300 Printed Circuit Board

[0038] 1. Signal Module

[0039] 11 First Insulating Shell

[0040] 111 First Shell Body

[0041] 112 First receiving slot

[0042] 113 Depression

[0043] 12 First Contact

[0044] 121 First Fixed Part

[0045] 122 First Contact Section

[0046] 123 First weld foot

[0047] 13 First Card Section

[0048] 2 Power Module

[0049] 21 Second Insulating Shell

[0050] 211 Second shell body

[0051] 212 Second Receiving Slot

[0052] 213 Through slot

[0053] 22 Second Contact

[0054] 221 Second fixing part

[0055] 222 Second Contact Section

[0056] 223 Second solder foot

[0057] 23 Second Card Section

[0058] 24 Clamping parts

[0059] 3. Cover

[0060] 31 Main Body

[0061] 32 Extension Section

[0062] D1 First Direction

[0063] D2 Second Direction

[0064] D3 third direction. Detailed Implementation

[0065] The following embodiments will explain the content of this invention. These embodiments are not intended to limit the implementation of this invention to any specific environment, application, or special method as described in the embodiments. Therefore, the descriptions of the embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. It should be noted that in the following embodiments and drawings, some elements not directly related to this invention have been omitted and are not shown, and the dimensional relationships between the elements in the drawings are for ease of understanding only and are not intended to limit the actual scale.

[0066] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 . Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the modular connector 100 in the engaged state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the modular connector 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention when it is not engaged. Figure 3 and Figure 5These are schematic diagrams of a mating connector 200 and a modular connector 100, respectively, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The modular connector 100 is disposed on a printed circuit board 300 for insertion into a mating connector 200. The mating connector 200 is also disposed on another printed circuit board 300. The mating connector 200 further includes multiple signal contacts 201 and multiple power contacts 202. In the embodiments of the present invention, the modular connector 100 specifically functions as a socket connector, and the mating connector 200 specifically functions as a plug connector, used for assembling and engaging the modular connector 100. Both connectors have substantially the same structure and can be used to transmit signals and power. The modular connector 100 includes a signal module 1, two power modules 2, and a cover 3. In this embodiment, the signal module 1 is detachably connected between the power modules 2, and the cover 3 is disposed at the end of the signal module 1 furthest from the printed circuit board 300. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the number and arrangement of the signal module 1 and the power module 2 are based on a power-signal-power module combination. The connection position and the number of modules can be adjusted according to actual usage requirements and are not limited here.

[0067] The following section explains signal module 1; please refer to it as well. Figure 6 and Figure 8 , Figure 6 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the modular connector 100 from another perspective. Figure 8 The diagram shows an exploded view of the modular connector 100. The signal module 1 includes a first insulating housing 11, a plurality of first contacts 12, and two first engaging portions 13. The first contacts 12 are disposed in the first insulating housing 11 and are arranged adjacently in the first insulating housing 11 along a first direction D1. The first engaging portions 13 are respectively formed on corresponding sides of the first insulating housing 11. More specifically, the first insulating housing 11 further includes a first housing body 111, a plurality of first receiving grooves 112, and four recesses 113. The first receiving grooves 112 are disposed within the first housing body 111 for partial placement of the first contacts 12. The recesses 113 are formed on opposite sides of the first housing body 111, with two recesses 113 formed on each side for engaging with the cover 3. It should be noted that the position and number of the recesses 113 can be adjusted according to the actual connection situation and are not limited here.

[0068] Specifically, each of the first contact elements 12 includes a first fixing portion 121, a first contact portion 122, and a first solder foot 123. When the first contact element 12 is disposed in the first receiving groove 112, the first fixing portion 121 is embedded in the first receiving groove 112, and the first solder foot 123 is soldered to the printed circuit board 300. When the modular connector 100 is in the engaged state, the first contact portion 122 interferes with part of the signal contact element 201.

[0069] Next, we will describe power module 2, such as... Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the power module 2 includes a second insulating housing 21, a plurality of second contacts 22, a second engaging portion 23, and a clamping member 24. The second contacts 22 are disposed in the second insulating housing 21 and arranged adjacently along a first direction D1 within the second insulating housing 21. The second engaging portion 23 is formed at one end of the second insulating housing 21 near the signal module 1, and the second engaging portion 23 is correspondingly connected to the first engaging portion 13, thereby connecting adjacent signal modules 1 and / or power modules 2 to each other. More specifically, the second insulating housing 21 further includes a second housing body 211, three second receiving slots 212, and a through slot 213. The second receiving slots 212 are disposed within the second housing body 211 for partial placement of the second contacts 22. The through slot 213 is formed on the side of the second housing body 211 not in contact with the signal module 1, for corresponding placement of the clamping member 24 within it. The modular connector 100 can be securely mounted on the printed circuit board 300 by soldering the clamping member 24 to the printed circuit board 300. It should be noted that the position and number of the through slots 213 can be adjusted according to the actual mating situation and are not limited here.

[0070] In detail, each of the second contact members 22 includes a second fixing portion 221, a second contact portion 222, and two second solder feet 223. When the second contact member 22 is disposed in the second receiving groove 212, the second fixing portion 221 is embedded in the second receiving groove 212, and the second solder feet 223 are soldered to the printed circuit board 300. When the modular connector 100 is in the engaged state, the second contact portion 222 interferes with part of the power contact member 202, so that the modular connector 100 forms an electrical connection. It should be noted that, as Figure 6 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the second contact members 22 are arranged in pairs in each of the second receiving grooves 212. In other words, the second contact members 22 are arranged in pairs in each of the second receiving grooves 212, and the two second contact portions 222 of the second contact members 22 are used to contact and hold the power contact members 202 of the mating connector 200. Furthermore, each of the second contact members 22 has two second solder feet 223. When current passes through the second solder feet, due to the dispersed number of solder feet, it is less likely to generate high temperatures for the large current used in the electrical connection of the connector, thus having better heat dissipation effect.

[0071] However, please refer to the following: Figure 13In the second embodiment of the present invention, the second contact member 22 is disposed in each second receiving groove 212 and is bent in two directions in one piece to form a structure having a plurality of second fixing parts 221 and a plurality of second contact parts 222, and each second contact member 22 has only one second welding foot 223.

[0072] Please refer to it again. Figure 5 and Figure 8 The cover 3 further includes a main body 31 and four extension segments 32. The extension segments 32 extend from the main body 31 along a second direction D2, wherein the second direction D2 is perpendicular to the first direction D1. The extension segments 32 are correspondingly engaged with the recesses 113 of the first insulating shell 11. It should be noted that the formation position and number of the extension segments 32 can be adjusted according to the actual bonding situation, and are not limited here.

[0073] To further illustrate the combination of the signal module 1 and the power module 2 of the present invention, as follows: Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in the first embodiment of the present invention, two first engaging portions 13 formed on both sides of the first insulating shell 11 engage with the second engaging portions 23 corresponding to the second insulating shells 21 arranged adjacent to each other on both sides. The first engaging portions 13 and the second engaging portions 23 respectively have groove and / or engaging block structures. In the first embodiment, the first engaging portions 13 on both sides are grooves and engaging blocks, respectively. The second engaging portion 23 corresponding to the first engaging portion 13 with grooves has an engaging block structure, and conversely, the second engaging portion 23 corresponding to the first engaging portion 13 with engaging blocks has a groove structure (e.g., ...). Figure 9 (As shown). On the other hand, in the third embodiment of the present invention, the first engaging portions 13 on both sides are symmetrical groove structures, and the second engaging portions 23 corresponding to the first engaging portions 13 with grooves are all symmetrical engaging block structures (as shown). Figure 14 (As shown). It should be noted that the structure of the first engaging part 13 and the second engaging part 23 can be adjusted according to the actual engagement situation, and is not limited here. In addition, in this embodiment, the engagement direction of the first engaging part 13 and the second engaging part 23 includes mutual engagement along the second direction D2, or mutual engagement along a third direction D3 perpendicular to the second direction D2 (not shown).

[0074] In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, please refer to the following: Figure 15The number of signal modules 1 can be two, and the corresponding combination of power modules 2 can be three, with the signal modules 1 and power modules 2 arranged alternately. Specifically, the power module 2 sandwiched between two signal modules 1 has two second engaging portions 23 formed on both sides of the second insulating shell 21, respectively cooperating with the first engaging portions 13 of the adjacent signal module 1. When current passes through the modular connector 100, due to its multiple distributed power modules, it is less prone to generating high temperatures for the large current used in the electrical connection of the connector, and this combination also has better heat dissipation. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the number and arrangement of signal modules 1 and power modules 2 are exemplified by a power-signal-power-signal-power module combination; the connection position and number of modules can be adjusted according to actual usage requirements and are not limited here.

[0075] On the other hand, such as Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the difference between the mating connector 200 of the present invention and the modular connector 100 lies in the slight differences in the structural design of its signal module 1, power module 2, and cover 3. The following only describes the differences; identical technical content will not be repeated here. Specifically, the signal contact 201 of the mating connector 200 corresponds to the first contact 12 of the signal module 1, and the power contact 202 of the mating connector 200 corresponds to the second contact 22 of the power module 2. In the embodiments of the present invention, the number of power contacts 202 is always one, and they can contact one in each embodiment as a group (e.g., ...). Figure 13 ) or two in a group (e.g.) Figure 12 The second contact 22.

[0076] In summary, the modular connector of the present invention comprises a combination of a signal module and a power module. The signal module and the power module engage with each other via their locking parts. Users can select different numbers of individual modules according to the signal and power requirements during actual connection, and can adjust the number and structure of the interconnecting locking parts. Therefore, customized modular connectors with detachable modules can be designed, achieving the effects of rapid assembly and reduced high temperatures generated when high current flows.

[0077] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of implementation schemes of the present invention and to explain the technical features of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any changes or equivalent arrangements that can be easily made by those skilled in the art are within the scope of the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A modular connector disposed on a printed circuit board for mating connector insertion, the modular connector comprising: At least one signal module includes a first insulating housing and a plurality of first contacts, wherein the first contacts are disposed in the first insulating housing and are arranged adjacent to each other along a first direction; Multiple power modules, each power module including a second insulating housing and multiple second contacts, the second contacts being disposed in the second insulating housing and arranged adjacent to each other along the first direction; in, The at least one signal module is detachably connected between the power modules, and the mating connector has multiple signal contacts and multiple power contacts.

2. The modular connector as described in claim 1, wherein, The at least one signal module further includes two first engaging portions, and the power module further includes at least one second engaging portion. The first engaging portions are respectively formed on corresponding sides of the first insulating housing, and the at least one second engaging portion is formed on one end of the second insulating housing near the signal module. The first engaging portions are correspondingly connected to the at least one second engaging portion.

3. The modular connector as described in claim 2, wherein, It also includes a cover disposed at one end of the first insulating housing away from the printed circuit board. The cover also has a main body and a plurality of extensions extending from the main body along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The modular connector as described in claim 3, wherein, The first insulating housing has a first housing body and a plurality of first receiving grooves, the first receiving grooves being disposed within the first housing body for partial placement of the first contact member; the second insulating housing has a second housing body and a plurality of second receiving grooves, the second receiving grooves being disposed within the second housing body for partial placement of the second contact member.

5. The modular connector as described in claim 4, wherein, The first insulating housing also includes a plurality of recesses formed on opposite sides of the first housing body for engaging with the extension section.

6. The modular connector as described in claim 5, wherein, The power module further includes a clamping member, and the second insulating housing further includes a through groove formed on the side of the second housing body that does not contact the at least one signal module, with the clamping member correspondingly disposed in the through groove.

7. The modular connector as described in claim 6, wherein, The first contact includes a first fixing part and a first contact part, and the second contact includes a second fixing part and at least one second contact part. The first fixing part and the second fixing part are respectively embedded in the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove. When the modular connector is engaged, the first contact part and the at least one second contact part respectively contact the signal contact and the power contact.

8. The modular connector as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The second contact is disposed in pairs in each of the second receiving slots.

9. The modular connector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The at least one signal module includes multiple signal modules, which are arranged alternately with the power module.

10. The modular connector as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The first contact further includes a first solder pad, and the second contact further includes at least one second solder pad, the first solder pad and the at least one second solder pad being soldered to the printed circuit board.

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