First electrical connector and connector assembly

Abstract

A first electric connector is configured to be installed on a circuit board along a first direction, and comprises a conductive shell and a plurality of conductive terminals. The conductive shell is provided with a first containing slot, the first containing slot is configured to at least partially contain a first butt joint connector in the first direction, and the first direction is perpendicular to the circuit board. And the plurality of conductive terminals are at least partially arranged in the conductive shell but are not in contact with the conductive shell. The invention also discloses a connector assembly comprising the first electric connector. Through the arrangement, the shielding effect on the conductive terminals is improved, and the signal transmission quality is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a first electrical connector and a connector assembly, belonging to the field of connector technology. Background Technology

[0002] Connector assemblies in related technologies include electrical connectors, wherein the electrical connector includes an insulating body, a plurality of conductive terminals mounted on the insulating body, and a metal housing mounted on the insulating body. The plurality of conductive terminals includes a plurality of signal terminals. However, with the increasing demands on signal transmission quality for electrical connectors, there is still room for improvement in the electrical connectors and electrical connector assemblies in related technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a first electrical connector with an improved structure and a connector assembly.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a first electrical connector configured to be mounted on a circuit board along a first direction, the first electrical connector comprising:

[0005] A conductive housing, the conductive housing having a first receiving slot extending along a first direction and configured to at least partially receive a first mating connector along the first direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the circuit board; and

[0006] A plurality of conductive terminals are at least partially disposed in the conductive housing; each conductive terminal includes a contact arm, the contact arm including a contact portion that at least partially protrudes into the first receiving slot and is configured to make electrical contact with the first mating connector; the plurality of conductive terminals do not contact the conductive housing.

[0007] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first electrical connector includes a first module and a second module;

[0008] The first module includes:

[0009] First conductive housing; and

[0010] A first terminal module is at least partially disposed in the first conductive housing. The first terminal module includes a plurality of first conductive terminals, each of which includes a first contact arm. The first contact arm includes a first contact portion that at least partially protrudes into the first receiving slot and is configured to contact the first mating connector.

[0011] The second module includes:

[0012] Second conductive housing; and

[0013] The second terminal module is at least partially disposed in the second conductive housing. The second terminal module includes a plurality of second conductive terminals. Each second conductive terminal includes a second contact arm. The second contact arm includes a second contact portion that at least partially protrudes into the first receiving slot and is configured to contact the first mating connector.

[0014] The conductive housing includes a first conductive housing and a second conductive housing; the plurality of conductive terminals include a plurality of first conductive terminals and a plurality of second conductive terminals; the contact arm includes a first contact arm and a second contact arm; the contact portion includes a first contact portion and a second contact portion.

[0015] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first conductive housing of the first module and the second conductive housing of the second module are separately disposed and fixed together to jointly form the first receiving slot.

[0016] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first conductive housing is provided with a first positioning protrusion extending along the first direction; the second conductive housing is provided with a second positioning protrusion extending along the first direction.

[0017] The circuit board is provided with a first positioning hole;

[0018] The first positioning protrusion and the second positioning protrusion are combined to form a positioning protrusion, which is then inserted into the first positioning hole.

[0019] As a further improvement of the present invention, at the junction of the first conductive shell and the second conductive shell, the first conductive shell is provided with a first welding groove, and the second conductive shell is provided with a second welding groove that communicates with the first welding groove; the first conductive shell and the second conductive shell are welded and fixed together.

[0020] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first conductive housing is provided with a first terminal module mounting groove;

[0021] The second conductive housing is provided with a second terminal module mounting slot;

[0022] The first terminal module has two first conductive terminals, which are respectively a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal; the first terminal module includes a first retaining block fixed on the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal; the first retaining block is received in the first terminal module mounting groove, so that the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal are mounted in the first terminal module mounting groove so as not to contact the first conductive housing;

[0023] The second terminal module has two second conductive terminals, which are respectively a third signal terminal and a fourth signal terminal; the second terminal module includes a second retaining block fixed on the third signal terminal and the fourth signal terminal; the second retaining block is received in the mounting groove of the second terminal module, so that the third signal terminal and the fourth signal terminal are mounted in the mounting groove of the second terminal module so as not to contact the second conductive housing.

[0024] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first conductive shell includes a first filling groove;

[0025] The first module includes a first insulating fixing block fixed in the first filling groove. The first insulating fixing block is provided with a first slot and a second slot, and the first slot and the second slot are arranged side by side.

[0026] The first contact arm of the first signal terminal extends at least partially into the first slot, and the first contact arm of the second signal terminal extends at least partially into the second slot.

[0027] As a further improvement of the present invention, the second conductive shell includes a second filling groove;

[0028] The second module includes a second insulating fixing block fixed in the second filling groove. The second insulating fixing block is provided with a third slot and a fourth slot, which are arranged side by side.

[0029] The second contact arm of the third signal terminal extends at least partially into the third slot, and the second contact arm of the fourth signal terminal extends at least partially into the fourth slot.

[0030] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the first module includes a first grounding plate, the first grounding plate includes a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate opposite to the first mounting plate, and a first connecting plate connecting one side of the first mounting plate and one side of the second mounting plate; the first mounting plate is fixed to the first conductive housing, and the second mounting plate is provided with a first grounding spring arm that protrudes into the first receiving slot and is configured to abut against the first docking connector.

[0031] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, one end of the first grounding spring arm is fixed, and the other end of the first grounding spring arm moves along the first direction after the first docking connector is inserted into the first receiving slot.

[0032] The present invention can also adopt the following technical solution: a connector assembly, comprising:

[0033] A first electrical connector, wherein the first electrical connector is the aforementioned first electrical connector; and

[0034] A shielding housing assembly configured to be mounted on a circuit board along a first direction, the shielding housing assembly including a first receiving cavity connected to a first receiving slot along the first direction, the first receiving cavity and the first receiving slot being configured to jointly at least partially receive a first mating connector.

[0035] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the shielding shell assembly includes a first metal shell, the first metal shell including a first end wall and a plurality of first fixing feet protruding downward from the bottom edge of the first end wall along the first direction;

[0036] The circuit board is provided with several first mounting holes;

[0037] The first fixing foot is configured to be pressed into the first mounting hole.

[0038] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the shielding shell assembly includes a first metal shell, the first metal shell includes a first end wall, and the first end wall is provided with a first opening communicating with the first receiving cavity;

[0039] The shielding housing assembly includes a first heat sink fixed to the first end wall. The first heat sink includes a first body portion and a plurality of first heat sink fins protruding to one side of the first body portion. The first body portion at least partially passes through the first opening to protrude into the first receiving cavity. The first body portion is configured to contact the first mating connector.

[0040] As a further improvement of the present invention, the circuit board is provided with a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a first heat dissipation groove penetrating the first surface and the second surface along the first direction; the first heat dissipation fin corresponds to the first heat dissipation groove and is located above the first heat dissipation groove.

[0041] The present invention can also adopt the following technical solution: a connector assembly, comprising:

[0042] The first electrical connector is the aforementioned first electrical connector;

[0043] A second electrical connector, the second electrical connector having a second receiving slot extending along a first direction; and

[0044] A shielding housing assembly configured to be mounted on a circuit board; the shielding housing assembly includes a first metal housing, a second metal housing snapped together with the first metal housing, and an intermediate metal housing fixed to the first metal housing; the intermediate metal housing divides the shielding housing assembly into a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity located on both sides of the intermediate metal housing respectively;

[0045] Wherein, the first receiving cavity and the first receiving slot are connected along the first direction, and the first receiving cavity and the first receiving slot are configured to jointly at least partially receive the first mating connector;

[0046] The second receiving cavity and the second receiving slot are connected along the first direction, and the second receiving cavity and the second receiving slot are configured to jointly at least partially receive the second mating connector.

[0047] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector have the same structure, but different installation angles.

[0048] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the first metal shell includes a first end wall, a first side wall that is perpendicularly bent from one end of the first end wall, and a second side wall that is perpendicularly bent from the other end of the first end wall; the first end wall is provided with a first opening that communicates with the first receiving cavity.

[0049] The second metal housing includes a second end wall, a first retaining wall that is vertically bent from one end of the second end wall, and a second retaining wall that is vertically bent from the other end of the second end wall; the second end wall is provided with a second opening that communicates with the second receiving cavity;

[0050] The first retaining wall is fastened and fixed to the first side wall, and the second retaining wall is fastened and fixed to the second side wall;

[0051] The shielding housing assembly includes a first heat sink fixed to the first end wall and a second heat sink fixed to the second end wall;

[0052] The first heat sink includes a first body portion and a plurality of first heat dissipation fins protruding to one side of the first body portion. The first body portion at least partially passes through the first opening to protrude into the first receiving cavity. The first body portion is configured to contact the first docking connector.

[0053] The second heat sink includes a second body portion and a plurality of second heat dissipation fins protruding to one side of the second body portion. The second body portion at least partially passes through the second opening to protrude into the second receiving cavity. The second body portion is configured to contact the second mating connector.

[0054] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the circuit board is provided with a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a first heat dissipation groove penetrating the first surface and the second surface along the first direction, and a second heat dissipation groove penetrating the first surface and the second surface along the first direction.

[0055] The first heat dissipation fin corresponds to the first heat dissipation slot and is located above the first heat dissipation slot; the second heat dissipation fin corresponds to the second heat dissipation slot and is located above the second heat dissipation slot.

[0056] Compared to existing technologies, the first electrical connector of the present invention includes a conductive housing; the plurality of conductive terminals are at least partially disposed in the conductive housing but do not contact the conductive housing; by using a conductive housing instead of an insulating body in the prior art, the quality of signal transmission is improved. Furthermore, the first electrical connector is configured to be mounted on the circuit board along a first direction, which is perpendicular to the circuit board. The first electrical connector of the present invention provides an alternative mounting method relative to the circuit board, which helps to save the area occupied by the first electrical connector on the circuit board. Additionally, the connector assembly of the present invention includes a shielding housing assembly, which is configured to be mounted on the circuit board along a first direction. The shielding housing assembly includes a first receiving cavity, which communicates with a first receiving slot along the first direction. The first receiving cavity and the first receiving slot are configured to jointly at least partially accommodate a first mating connector. The connector assembly of the present invention improves the shielding effect on the conductive terminals and enhances the quality of signal transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the connector assembly of the present invention in one embodiment.

[0058] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram from another angle.

[0059] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Partial exploded 3D view, in which the first mating connector, the second mating connector, and the circuit board are separated.

[0060] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0061] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 The main view.

[0062] Figure 6 It is to removeFigure 3 An exploded perspective view of the first mating connector, the second mating connector, and the portion behind the circuit board.

[0063] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0064] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the first and second electrical connectors of the present invention mounted on the circuit board.

[0065] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Partial exploded 3D diagram.

[0066] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0067] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 The first electrical connector is shown in a partially exploded perspective view, in which the first module and the second module are separated from each other.

[0068] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0069] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 A magnified view of part C circled in the middle.

[0070] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 A magnified view of part D circled in the middle.

[0071] Figure 15 yes Figure 11 3D exploded view of the first module.

[0072] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Another perspective of the exploded 3D view.

[0073] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 Another perspective of the exploded 3D view.

[0074] Figure 18 yes Figure 11 3D exploded view of the second module.

[0075] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 Another perspective of the exploded 3D view.

[0076] Figure 20 yes Figure 18 Another perspective of the exploded 3D view.

[0077] Figure 21 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the BB line.

[0078] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 A magnified view of part E within the middle frame. Detailed Implementation

[0079] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. If several embodiments exist, features in these embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict. When the description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise stated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The descriptions in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention; rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses, products, and / or methods consistent with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0080] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” or “the” as used in the specification and claims of this invention are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0081] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish features. Similarly, the terms "an" or "a" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "before," "after," "upper," "lower," and similar words appearing in this invention are for ease of explanation only and are not limited to a specific location or spatial orientation. The terms "comprising" or "including" are open-ended expressions, meaning that the element preceding "comprising" or "including" encompasses the element following "comprising" or "including" and its equivalents, but this does not preclude the element preceding "comprising" or "including" from also including other elements. In this invention, the term "several" means two or more.

[0082] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is disclosed, comprising a circuit board 400, a first electrical connector 100 mounted on and electrically connected to the circuit board 400, a second electrical connector 200 mounted on and electrically connected to the circuit board 400, a shielding housing assembly 500 fixed to the circuit board 400, a first mating connector 301 for at least partially inserted into the shielding housing assembly 500 and mating with the first electrical connector 100, and a second mating connector 302 for at least partially inserted into the shielding housing assembly 500 and mating with the second electrical connector 200. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, both the first electrical connector 100 and the second electrical connector 200 are vertical electrical connectors, and both are mounted on the circuit board 400 along a first direction A1-A1 (e.g., vertical direction), which is perpendicular to the circuit board 400. The first mating connector 301 and the second electrical connector 200 are plugged into and unplugged with the corresponding first electrical connector 100 and second electrical connector 200 along the first direction A1-A1.

[0083] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first electrical connector 100 is an OSFP (Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable) socket connector; correspondingly, the first mating connector 301 is an OSFP plug connector. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the first electrical connector 100 can also be an SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) socket connector, a QSFP (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable) socket connector, a QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable-Double Density) socket connector, an SFP-DD (Small Form-factor Pluggable-Double Density) socket connector, or a DSFP (Dual Chanel Small Form-factor Pluggable) socket connector, etc.; correspondingly, the first mating connector 301 can be an SFP plug connector, a QSFP plug connector, a QSFP-DD plug connector, an SFP-DD plug connector, or a DSFP plug connector, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that the basic architecture of the above types of first electrical connectors 100 is specified by the corresponding association standards, and will not be elaborated further here. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the first electrical connector 100 can also be other types of electrical connectors, including but not limited to USB connectors, HDMI connectors, DisplayPort connectors, RJ45 connectors, Thunderbolt connectors, etc.

[0084] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second electrical connector 200 is identical to the first electrical connector 100. The mounting angles of the second electrical connector 200 and the first electrical connector 100 may be the same or different. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the mounting angles of the second electrical connector 200 and the first electrical connector 100 are different, wherein the second electrical connector 200 is rotated 180 degrees in the horizontal plane relative to the first electrical connector 100. Correspondingly, the second mating connector 302 is identical to the first mating connector 301. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the mating angles of the first mating connector 301 and the second mating connector 302 are different from those of the first electrical connector 100 and the second electrical connector 200. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first mating connector 301 and the second mating connector 302 are arranged belly-to-belly to minimize interference between them during insertion and removal.

[0085] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in the embodiments illustrated in the present invention, the shielding housing assembly 500, the first electrical connector 100, and the second electrical connector 200 are respectively mounted on the circuit board 400, that is, there is no direct fixing relationship between the shielding housing assembly 500 and the first electrical connector 100; nor is there a direct fixing relationship between the shielding housing assembly 500 and the second electrical connector 200.

[0086] Please combine Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the first mating connector 301 includes a first metal housing 301a, a first sub-circuit board 301b fixed in the first metal housing 301a, a first cable 301c electrically connected to the first sub-circuit board 301b, and a first unlocking pull strap 301d. The first metal housing 301a includes a first main body portion 301a1, a first extending tab 301a2 extending from the first main body portion 301a1, and a first positioning tab 301a3 extending from the first main body portion 301a1. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first extending tab 301a2 and the first positioning tab 301a3 are located at the same end of the first mating connector 301. The first extending tab 301a2 and the first positioning tab 301a3 are substantially parallel. The first sub-circuit board 301b includes a first tongue plate 301b1 located between the first extending tab 301a2 and the first positioning tab 301a3. A plurality of first conductive metal sheets 301b2 are provided on both opposite surfaces of the first tongue plate 301b1. The first positioning protrusion 301a3 and the first extending protrusion 301a2 have different widths to prevent misinsertion. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first positioning protrusion 301a3 and the first extending protrusion 301a2 also have different thicknesses to prevent misinsertion.

[0087] The second mating connector 302 includes a second metal housing 302a, a second sub-circuit board 302b fixed in the second metal housing 302a, a second cable 302c electrically connected to the second sub-circuit board 302b, and a second unlocking pull strap 302d. The second metal housing 302a includes a second main body portion 302a1, a second extending tab 302a2 extending from the second main body portion 302a1, and a second positioning tab 302a3 extending from the second main body portion 302a1. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second extending tab 302a2 and the second positioning tab 302a3 are located at the same end of the second mating connector 302. The second extending tab 302a2 and the second positioning tab 302a3 are substantially parallel. The second sub-circuit board 302b includes a second tongue plate 302b1 located between the second extending tab 302a2 and the second positioning tab 302a3. A plurality of second conductive metal sheets 302b2 are provided on both opposite surfaces of the second tongue plate 302b1. The second positioning protrusion 302a3 and the second extending protrusion 302a2 have different widths to prevent misinsertion. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second positioning protrusion 302a3 and the second extending protrusion 302a2 also have different thicknesses to prevent misinsertion.

[0088] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first mating connector 301 and the second mating connector 302 are arranged belly-to-belly, meaning that the first mating connector 301 rotates 180 degrees relative to the second mating connector 302 in the horizontal plane. The first unlocking pull strap 301d and the second unlocking pull strap 302d are arranged opposite each other, meaning that the first unlocking pull strap 301d and the second unlocking pull strap 302d are as far apart as possible. This arrangement allows the first unlocking pull strap 301d and the second unlocking pull strap 302d to be located outside their respective connectors, thereby avoiding mutual interference when pulling to unlock.

[0089] Please combine Figures 8 to 10As shown, the circuit board 400 includes a first surface 401 (e.g., an upper surface), a second surface 402 (e.g., a lower surface) opposite to the first surface 401, a plurality of conductive sheets 403 exposed on the first surface 401, a plurality of first mounting holes 404 penetrating the first surface 401 and the second surface 402, a plurality of second mounting holes 405 penetrating the first surface 401 and the second surface 402, a plurality of first positioning holes 406 penetrating the first surface 401 and the second surface 402, a plurality of second positioning holes 407 penetrating the first surface 401 and the second surface 402, a first heat dissipation groove 408 penetrating the first surface 401 and the second surface 402, and a second heat dissipation groove 409 penetrating the first surface 401 and the second surface 402. In one embodiment of the present invention, the circuit board 400 is a main circuit board, on which chips (not shown) and a plurality of electronic components (not shown) are provided.

[0090] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the plurality of conductive sheets 403 include a first row of conductive sheets 4031, a second row of conductive sheets 4032, a third row of conductive sheets 4033, and a fourth row of conductive sheets 4034 arranged sequentially along a second direction A2-A2 (e.g., a front-to-back direction), wherein the first row of conductive sheets 4031, the second row of conductive sheets 4032, the third row of conductive sheets 4033, and the fourth row of conductive sheets 4034 are parallel to each other.

[0091] Please combine Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the shielding housing assembly 500 includes a first metal housing 501, a second metal housing 502 fastened together with the first metal housing 501, and an intermediate metal housing 503 fixed to the first metal housing 501.

[0092] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first metal housing 501 is generally U-shaped, comprising a first end wall 5011, a first side wall 5012 bent perpendicularly from one end of the first end wall 5011, and a second side wall 5013 bent perpendicularly from the other end of the first end wall 5011. The first side wall 5012 and the second side wall 5013 are generally parallel. The first end wall 5011 is provided with a first opening 5010.

[0093] The second metal housing 502 is also generally U-shaped, comprising a second end wall 5021, a first retaining wall 5022 bent perpendicularly from one end of the second end wall 5021, and a second retaining wall 5023 bent perpendicularly from the other end of the second end wall 5021. The second end wall 5021 is provided with a second opening 5020. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second metal housing 502 and the first metal housing 501 have an asymmetrical structure.

[0094] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the second end wall 5021 does not contact the circuit board 400. This arrangement facilitates the wiring of the circuit board 400 and reduces the risk of short circuits. Furthermore, the gap between the second end wall 5021 and the circuit board 400 can also provide space for electronic components on the circuit board 400.

[0095] In another embodiment of the invention, the bottom of the second end wall 5021 is in contact with the circuit board 400, for example, with a grounding path on the circuit board 400. This arrangement helps to improve the grounding effect between the second end wall 5021 and the circuit board 400.

[0096] During assembly, the first retaining wall 5022 is fastened and fixed to the first side wall 5012, and the second retaining wall 5023 is fastened and fixed to the second side wall 5013. After assembly, the first end wall 5011, the first side wall 5012, the second side wall 5013, and the second end wall 5021 together form a receiving cavity. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the shielding shell assembly 500 is in a raised, vertical shape. Specifically, the first end wall 5011, the first side wall 5012, and the second side wall 5013 all have the same first height along the first direction A1-A1; the first side wall 5012 and the second side wall 5013 all have the same first length along the second direction A2-A2; and the first end wall 5011 and the second end wall 5021 all have the same first width along the third direction A3-A3. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first height is greater than the first length, and the first height is greater than the first width. The first length is greater than the first width. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first height is greater than at least twice the first length.

[0097] The shielding housing assembly 500 of the present invention is a raised, vertical structure, with the first height greater than the first length and the first width. Compared to the prior art where the shielding housing assembly is arranged parallel to the circuit board, this arrangement of the present invention is advantageous in saving the area occupied by the circuit board 400. Under the same conditions, this arrangement of the present invention allows for the placement of more electronic components on the circuit board 400. At the same time, the shielding housing assembly 500 of the present invention is prone to tilting under external forces due to its height. The illustrated embodiments of the present invention will further illustrate how to solve the above technical problems, which will be detailed later.

[0098] The first metal housing 501 further includes a plurality of first fixing feet 5011a extending downward from the bottom edge of the first end wall 5011 along the first direction A1-A1. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, each first fixing foot 5011a is fisheye-shaped, thereby giving the first fixing foot 5011a a certain elastic deformation capability. The first fixing feet 5011a are configured to be pressed into the first mounting hole 404 of the circuit board 400 to fix them to the circuit board 400 and achieve electrical connection (e.g., grounding).

[0099] Please combine Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the intermediate metal housing 503 includes a first clamping plate 5031, a second clamping plate 5032, and an intermediate plate 5033 located between the first clamping plate 5031 and the second clamping plate 5032. Both the first clamping plate 5031 and the second clamping plate 5032 are provided with a plurality of heat dissipation holes. The intermediate plate 5033 is an integral metal plate with a relatively large thickness, and the intermediate plate 5033 is provided with a plurality of receiving channels 5033a for accommodating the light guide tube 504. The intermediate plate 5033 is configured to cooperate with fasteners (e.g., bolts) to reliably mount the shielding housing assembly 500 onto the circuit board 400, thereby avoiding the risk that the shielding housing assembly 500, due to its height, is prone to tilting under external forces.

[0100] Please combine Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 21As shown, the intermediate metal housing 503 divides the receiving cavity into a first receiving cavity 500a and a second receiving cavity 500b located on both sides of the intermediate metal housing 503. The first receiving cavity 500a communicates with the first receiving slot 101 of the first electrical connector 100 to receive the first mating connector 301. The first body portion 301a1 of the first mating connector 301 is substantially received in the first receiving cavity 500a; the first tongue plate 301b1 of the first mating connector 301 is inserted into the first receiving slot 101.

[0101] Similarly, the second receiving cavity 500b is connected to the second receiving slot 101' of the second electrical connector 200 to receive the second mating connector 302. The second body portion 302a1 of the second mating connector 302 is generally received in the second receiving cavity 500b; the second tongue plate 302b1 of the second mating connector 302 is inserted into the second receiving slot 101'.

[0102] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the shielding housing assembly 500 further includes abutment spring arms 505 fixed to the first metal housing 501 and fixed to the second metal housing 502. The abutment spring arms 505 include a first abutment spring arm 5051 protruding into the first receiving cavity 500a and a second abutment spring arm 5052 protruding into the second receiving cavity 500b. The first abutment spring arm 5051 is configured to abut against the first mating connector 301 to increase holding force and improve grounding effect. The second abutment spring arm 5052 is configured to abut against the second mating connector 302 to increase holding force and improve grounding effect.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the connector assembly 100 further includes a heat sink mounted on the shielding housing assembly 500. Please refer to... Figures 1 to 7 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the heat sink includes a first heat sink 71 fixed to the first end wall 5011 and a second heat sink 72 fixed to the second end wall 5021.

[0104] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first heat sink 71 includes a first body portion 711 and a plurality of first heat dissipation fins 712 protruding to one side of the first body portion 711. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first body portion 711 is fixed to the outer side of the first end wall 5011, and the plurality of first heat dissipation fins 712 protrude outward from the first end wall 5011. The plurality of first heat dissipation fins 712 are evenly distributed along the third direction A3-A3. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first body portion 711 is welded and fixed to the outer side of the first end wall 5011. The first body portion 711 extends inward at least partially into the first opening 5010 and is exposed in the first receiving cavity 500a. The first body portion 711 is configured to contact the first body portion 301a1 of the first mating connector 301 to achieve better heat dissipation for the first mating connector 301.

[0105] Similarly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second heat sink 72 includes a second body portion 721 and a plurality of second heat dissipation fins 722 protruding to one side of the second body portion 721. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second body portion 721 is fixed to the outer side of the second end wall 5021, and the plurality of second heat dissipation fins 722 protrude outward from the second end wall 5021. The plurality of second heat dissipation fins 722 are evenly spaced along the third direction A3-A3. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second body portion 721 is welded and fixed to the outer side of the second end wall 5021. The second body portion 721 extends inward at least partially into the second opening 5020 and is exposed in the second receiving cavity 500b. The second body portion 721 is configured to contact the second body portion 302a1 of the second mating connector 302 to achieve better heat dissipation for the second mating connector 302.

[0106] Please combine Figure 1 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, both the first heat sink 71 and the second heat sink 72 are spaced a certain distance from the circuit board 400 along the first direction A1-A1. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first heat sink 712 corresponds to the first heat sink 408 and is located above the first heat sink 408, and the second heat sink 722 corresponds to the second heat sink 409 and is located above the second heat sink 409, to facilitate better heat dissipation.

[0107] Please combine Figures 8 to 20As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first electrical connector 100 is provided with a first receiving slot 101 that at least partially accommodates the first mating connector 301. To simplify the description of the specific embodiments of the present invention, the insertion / removal direction of the first mating connector 301 and the first electrical connector 100 is the first direction A1-A1 (e.g., vertical direction); the thickness direction of the first receiving slot 101 is the second direction A2-A2 (e.g., front-back direction); and the width direction of the first receiving slot 101 is the third direction A3-A3 (e.g., horizontal direction). The first direction A1-A1, the second direction A2-A2, and the third direction A3-A3 are all perpendicular to each other.

[0108] Please combine Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first electrical connector 100 includes a first module M1 and a second module M2, wherein the first module M1 and the second module M2 are separately disposed but fixed together. Preferably, the first module M1 and the second module M2 are the same part, only with different installation angles, to save costs.

[0109] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first electrical connector 100 and the second electrical connector 200 have the same structure; the following description uses only the first electrical connector 100 as an example. Please refer to... Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrical connector 100 includes a housing, an insulating fixing block 2 fixed to the housing, and a plurality of conductive terminals 3 mounted on the housing.

[0110] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing is a conductive housing 1. The conductive housing 1 is a metal housing made of metallic material to further improve the shielding effect and enhance the quality of signal transmission. In another embodiment of the present invention, the conductive housing 1 can also be a composite housing formed by electroplating metallic material onto insulating material. This composite housing can also improve the shielding effect and enhance the quality of signal transmission.

[0111] Please combine Figures 11 to 22As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the conductive housing 1 includes a first conductive housing 11 and a second conductive housing 12. The first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12 are fixed together, for example, after the first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12 are assembled, they are then fixed together by means such as welding. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first conductive housing 11 of the first module M1 and the second conductive housing 12 of the second module M2 are separately disposed and fixed together to jointly form the first receiving slot 101. For the sake of simplicity, the positions on the first module M1 and the second module M2 near the first receiving slot 101 are referred to as "inner", and the positions away from the first receiving slot 101 are referred to as "outer".

[0112] Please combine Figures 15 to 17 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first conductive housing 11 includes a first base 111 and a first protrusion 112 extending upward from the first base 111. The first base 111 has a first outer surface 1111, a first inner surface 1112, and a plurality of first mounting grooves 1116 extending along the first direction A1-A1. The plurality of first mounting grooves 1116 are arranged at intervals along the third direction A3-A3. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first base 111 also has a plurality of first partition portions 1113, wherein any two adjacent first mounting grooves 1116 are separated by a first partition portion 1113 located between the two first mounting grooves 1116 to improve shielding and improve the quality of signal transmission. In addition, the top of the first base 111 also has at least one first groove 1118 near the first protrusion 112. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, there are two first grooves 1118. The first base 111 also has a plurality of first mounting protrusions 1119 protruding into each first groove 1118. The bottom of the first base 111 is also provided with a plurality of first positioning protrusions 1117 extending downward along the first direction A1-A1.

[0113] Please combine Figures 15 to 17 As shown, the first protrusion 112 has a second outer surface 1121, a second inner surface 1122, and a plurality of first filling grooves 1123 extending outward along the second direction A2-A2 through the second outer surface 1121. The first filling grooves 1123 extend forward along the first direction A1-A1 through the first top surface 1120 of the first protrusion 112. The first protrusion 112 also includes a plurality of first positioning posts 1124 protruding outward along the second direction A2-A2 from the second outer surface 1121.

[0114] Please combine Figure 16As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first conductive housing 11 further includes a plurality of first terminal module mounting slots 113 extending along the first direction A1-A1. Each first terminal module mounting slot 113 extends from a portion of the first base 111 to the first protrusion 112. The bottom end of the first terminal module mounting slot 113 communicates with the first mounting slot 1116, the middle portion of the first terminal module mounting slot 113 is surrounded circumferentially by the wall portion of the first conductive housing 11, and the upper end of the first terminal module mounting slot 113 penetrates inwardly through the second inner surface 1122. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal module mounting slot 113 includes a first surrounding slot 1131 near the first mounting slot 1116 and a first open slot 1132 away from the first mounting slot 1116. The first surrounding slot 1131 is surrounded circumferentially by the wall portion of the first conductive housing 11, and the first open slot 1132 communicates with the first receiving slot 101. Those skilled in the art will understand that by setting the middle of the first terminal module mounting slot 113 to be surrounded by the wall of the first conductive housing 11 in all four circumferential directions, the conductive terminals located in the first terminal module mounting slot 113 can be better shielded; on the other hand, adjacent first terminal module mounting slots 113 can be better separated, thereby reducing signal crosstalk.

[0115] Please combine Figure 16 As shown, the plurality of first terminal module mounting slots 113 are arranged at intervals along the third direction A3-A3. The first conductive housing 11 includes a plurality of first partition walls 114 arranged at intervals along the third direction A3-A3. Two adjacent first terminal module mounting slots 113 are separated by corresponding first partition walls 114 along the third direction A3-A3. With this arrangement, each first terminal module mounting slot 113 is relatively independent, thereby reducing signal crosstalk and improving the quality of data transmission.

[0116] Please combine Figures 18 to 20As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second conductive housing 12 includes a second base 121 and a second protrusion 122 extending upward from the second base 121. The second base 121 has a third inner surface 1211, a third outer surface 1212, and a plurality of second mounting grooves 1216 extending along the first direction A1-A1. The plurality of second mounting grooves 1216 are arranged at intervals along the third direction A3-A3. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second base 121 also has a plurality of second partition portions 1213, wherein any two adjacent second mounting grooves 1216 are separated by a second partition portion 1213 located between the two second mounting grooves 1216 to improve shielding and improve the quality of signal transmission. In addition, the top of the second base 121 is provided with at least one second groove 1218 near the second protrusion 122. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, there are two second grooves 1218. The second base 121 also has a plurality of second mounting protrusions 1219 protruding into each second groove 1218. The bottom of the second base 121 is also provided with a plurality of second positioning protrusions 1217 extending downward along the first direction A1-A1.

[0117] Please combine Figures 18 to 20 As shown, the second protrusion 122 has a fourth inner surface 1221, a fourth outer surface 1222, and a plurality of second filling grooves 1223 extending outward through the fourth outer surface 1222. The second filling grooves 1223 extend upward through the second top surface 1220 of the second protrusion 122. The second protrusion 122 also includes a plurality of second positioning posts 1224 protruding outward from the second inner surface 1122.

[0118] Please combine Figure 18As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second conductive housing 12 further includes a plurality of second terminal module mounting slots 123 extending along the first direction A1-A1. Each second terminal module mounting slot 123 extends from the second base 121 to the second protrusion 122. The bottom end of the second terminal module mounting slot 123 communicates with the second mounting slot 1216, the middle portion of the second terminal module mounting slot 123 is surrounded circumferentially by the wall portion of the second conductive housing 12, and the upper end of the second terminal module mounting slot 123 penetrates inwardly through the fourth inner surface 1221. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second terminal module mounting slot 123 includes a second surrounding slot 1231 near the second mounting slot 1216 and a second open slot 1232 away from the second mounting slot 1216. The second surrounding slot 1231 is surrounded circumferentially by the wall portion of the second conductive housing 12, and the second open slot 1232 communicates with the first receiving slot 101. Those skilled in the art will understand that by setting the middle of the second terminal module mounting slot 123 to be surrounded circumferentially by the wall of the second conductive housing 12, on the one hand, the conductive terminals located in the second terminal module mounting slot 123 can be better shielded; on the other hand, adjacent second terminal module mounting slots 123 can be better separated, thereby reducing signal crosstalk.

[0119] Please combine Figure 18 As shown, the plurality of second terminal module mounting slots 123 are arranged at intervals along the third direction A3-A3. The second conductive housing 12 includes a plurality of second partition walls 124 arranged at intervals along the third direction A3-A3. Two adjacent second terminal module mounting slots 123 are separated by corresponding second partition walls 124 along the third direction A3-A3. With this arrangement, each second terminal module mounting slot 123 is relatively independent, thereby reducing signal crosstalk and improving the quality of data transmission.

[0120] Please combine Figures 13 to 22As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the insulating fixing block 2 includes a first insulating fixing block 21 and a second insulating fixing block 22. The first insulating fixing block 21 is fixed in the first filling groove 1123, and the second insulating fixing block 22 is fixed in the second filling groove 1223. Preferably, in order to increase the bonding force between the first insulating fixing block 21 and the first conductive shell 11, the first insulating fixing block 21 is formed in the first filling groove 1123. Similarly, in order to increase the bonding force between the second insulating fixing block 22 and the second conductive shell 12, the second insulating fixing block 22 is formed in the second filling groove 1223. The first insulating fixing block 21 is provided with a first dovetail protrusion 213, and the first filling groove 1123 is provided with a first dovetail groove 11231. When the first dovetail protrusion 213 is engaged in the first dovetail groove 11231, the first insulating fixing block 21 can be prevented from falling off the first conductive shell 11 in the first direction A1-A1. Similarly, the second insulating fixing block 22 is provided with a second dovetail protrusion 223, and the second filling groove 1223 is provided with a second dovetail groove 12231. When the second dovetail protrusion 223 is engaged in the second dovetail groove 12231, the second insulating fixing block 22 can be prevented from falling off the second conductive housing 12 in the first direction A1-A1.

[0121] The first insulating fixing block 21 is provided with a plurality of first slots 211 and a plurality of second slots 212, wherein adjacent first slots 211 and second slots 212 form a group and are connected to the corresponding first terminal module mounting slots 113. The first insulating fixing block 21 is also provided with a first top surface 210, which is coplanar with the first top surface 1120 of the first protrusion 112.

[0122] Similarly, the second insulating fixing block 22 is provided with a plurality of third slots 221 and a plurality of fourth slots 222, wherein adjacent third slots 221 and fourth slots 222 form a group and are connected to the corresponding second terminal module mounting slots 123. The second insulating fixing block 22 is provided with a second top surface 220, which is coplanar with the second top surface 1220 of the second protrusion 122.

[0123] Please combine Figures 13 to 20As shown, the plurality of conductive terminals 3 include a plurality of first conductive terminals 31 and a plurality of second conductive terminals 32. Each first conductive terminal 31 includes a first fixing portion 311 extending along the first direction A1-A1, a first contact arm 310 extending upward from the upper end of the first fixing portion 311, and a first tail portion 313 bent from the lower end of the first fixing portion 311. The first fixing portion 311 is at least partially located in the first surrounding groove 1131, the first contact arm 310 is at least partially located in the first open groove 1132, and the first tail portion 313 is at least partially located in the first mounting groove 1116. The first contact arm 310 includes a first contact portion 3101 extending through the first open groove 1132 into the first receiving slot 101. The first contact portion 3101 is used to contact the first tongue plate 301b1 of the first mating connector 301 to achieve an electrical connection. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first tail portion 313 extends horizontally outward to be electrically connected to the first row of conductive sheets 4031 of the circuit board 400. For example, the first tail portion 313 is soldered to the first row of conductive sheets 4031 of the circuit board 400.

[0124] Please combine Figure 14 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first conductive terminals 31 are divided into several groups, and each group of first conductive terminals 31 includes a first signal terminal S1 and a second signal terminal S2 adjacent to the first signal terminal S1. Preferably, the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2 in each group of first conductive terminals 31 form a differential pair to improve signal transmission speed and is suitable for high-speed signal transmission.

[0125] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first electrical connector 100 further includes a first retaining block 33 fixed to the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2 of each set of first conductive terminals 31. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2 are embedded in the first retaining block 33 to form an integral first terminal module 31a. The first contact portion 3101 of the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2 in each first terminal module 31a abuts against the first conductive metal piece 301b2 of the first mating connector 301.

[0126] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first retaining block 33 is fixed in the first terminal module mounting groove 113, preventing the first conductive terminal 31 from short-circuiting due to contact with the first conductive housing 11. The first tail portion 313 extends outward into the first mounting groove 1116 to improve the shielding effect.

[0127] Similarly, please combine Figures 18 to 20 As shown, each second conductive terminal 32 includes a second fixing portion 321 extending along the first direction A1-A1, a second contact arm 320 extending upward from the upper end of the second fixing portion 321, and a second tail portion 323 extending outward from the lower end of the second fixing portion 321. The second fixing portion 321 is at least partially located in the second surrounding groove 1231, the second contact arm 320 is at least partially located in the second open groove 1232, and the second tail portion 323 is at least partially located in the second mounting groove 1216. The second contact arm 320 includes a second contact portion 3201 extending through the second open groove 1232 into the first receiving slot 101. The second contact portion 3201 is used to contact the first conductive metal piece 301b2 of the first mating connector 301. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second tail portion 323 extends horizontally outward from the second fixing portion 321 to be electrically connected to the second row of conductive pieces 4032 of the circuit board 400. For example, the second tail portion 323 is soldered to the second row of conductive sheets 4032 of the circuit board 400.

[0128] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the plurality of second conductive terminals 32 are divided into several groups, and each group of second conductive terminals 32 includes a third signal terminal S3 and a fourth signal terminal S4 adjacent to the third signal terminal S3. Preferably, the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4 in each group of second conductive terminals 32 form a differential pair to improve signal transmission speed and is suitable for high-speed signal transmission.

[0129] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first electrical connector 100 further includes a second retaining block 34 fixed to the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4 of each set of second conductive terminals 32. In one embodiment of the present invention, the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4 are embedded in the second retaining block 34 to form an integral second terminal module 32a. The second contact portion 3201 of the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4 in each second terminal module 32a abuts against the first conductive metal piece 301b2 of the first mating connector 301.

[0130] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second retaining block 34 is fixedly installed in the second terminal module mounting groove 123, preventing the second conductive terminal 32 from short-circuiting due to contact with the second conductive housing 12. The second tail portion 323 extends outward into the second mounting groove 1216 to improve the shielding effect.

[0131] Please combine Figures 8 to 22 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrical connector 100 further includes at least one grounding piece 4 mounted on the conductive housing 1. One end of the grounding piece 4 is fixed relative to the conductive housing 1, and the grounding piece 4 includes a first grounding piece 41 and a second grounding piece 42. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, there are two first grounding pieces 41 made of metal; there are also two second grounding pieces 42 made of metal.

[0132] Please combine Figures 15 to 17 As shown, each first grounding plate 41 is generally U-shaped and includes a first mounting plate 411, a second mounting plate 412 opposite to the first mounting plate 411, a first connecting plate 413 connecting one side of the first mounting plate 411 and one side of the second mounting plate 412, and a first extension plate 414 extending from the other side of the second mounting plate 412. The first mounting plate 411 has a first mounting positioning hole 4111 that mates with the first positioning post 1124. The first extension plate 414 is received in a first groove 1118 of the corresponding first conductive housing 11, and the first extension plate 414 has a first mounting hole 4141 that mates with the first mounting protrusion 1119.

[0133] The first connecting plate 413 abuts against and at least partially covers the first top surface 210 of the first insulating fixing block 21. The first connecting plate 413 is located at the upper end of the first receiving slot 101 along the first direction A1-A1; when the first mating connector 301 is inserted, the first mating connector 301 may first contact the first connecting plate 413, thereby facilitating the release of static electricity. The second mounting plate 412 is provided with a plurality of first grounding spring arms 415 arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2. Each pair of first contact arms 310 of each group of first conductive terminals 31 is provided with a first grounding spring arm 415 on both sides to improve the shielding effect and improve the quality of signal transmission.

[0134] The first grounding spring arm 415 generally protrudes inward in a direction away from the first mounting plate 411. Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first grounding spring arm 415 includes a first intermediate portion 4150, a first spring arm portion 4151 connecting one end of the first intermediate portion 4150 and the first connecting plate 413, and a second spring arm portion 4152 connecting the other end of the first intermediate portion 4150 and the first extension plate 414. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first intermediate portion 4150 is provided with a first protrusion 4150a extending into the first receiving slot 101. The first spring arm portion 4151 is provided with a first abutting spring arm 4151a extending towards the first intermediate portion 4150, and a first clearance groove 4151b corresponding to the first abutting spring arm 4151a and providing deformation space for the first abutting spring arm 4151a. The second spring arm portion 4152 is provided with a second abutting spring arm 4152a extending towards the first intermediate portion 4150, and a second clearance groove 4152b corresponding to the second abutting spring arm 4152a and providing deformation space for the second abutting spring arm 4152a. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first abutting spring arm 4151a and the second abutting spring arm 4152a are respectively located on both sides of the first intermediate portion 4150. The first abutting spring arm 4151a and the second abutting spring arm 4152a are aligned along the first direction A1-A1. The free ends of the first abutting spring arm 4151a and the free ends of the second abutting spring arm 4152a are both close to the first intermediate portion 4150. The first abutting spring arm 4151a, the first protrusion 4150a, and the second abutting spring arm 4152a are all in contact with the first mating connector 301. This three-point contact method is beneficial for achieving a better shielding effect.

[0135] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first spring arm portion 4151 is provided with a first frame 4151c that surrounds the first spring arm. The first clearance groove 4151b is a closed groove and is surrounded by the first frame 4151c. The first abutting spring arm 4151a is connected to one wall of the first frame 4151c, and the other three walls of the first frame 4151c surround the other three sides of the first abutting spring arm 4151a. In one embodiment of the present invention, by providing the first frame 4151c surrounding the first abutting spring arm 4151a, the first abutting spring arm 4151a can be better protected, preventing excessive deformation of the first abutting spring arm 4151a.

[0136] Similarly, the second spring arm portion 4152 is provided with a second frame 4152c that surrounds the second spring arm. The second clearance groove 4152b is a closed groove and is surrounded by the second frame 4152c. The second abutting spring arm 4152a is connected to one wall of the second frame 4152c, and the other three walls of the second frame 4152c surround the other three sides of the second abutting spring arm 4152a. In one embodiment of the present invention, by providing the second frame 4152c surrounding the second abutting spring arm 4152a, better protection can be provided for the second abutting spring arm 4152a, preventing excessive deformation of the second abutting spring arm 4152a.

[0137] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first positioning post 1124 is fixed to the first mounting positioning hole 4111, thereby fixing the first mounting plate 411 to the second outer surface 1121 of the first protrusion 112. Please refer to... Figure 14 As shown, the size of the first mounting hole 4141 along the first direction A1-A1 can be slightly larger than the size of the first mounting protrusion 1119 along the first direction A1-A1, so that when the first abutting spring arm 4151a, the first middle part 4150 and the second abutting spring arm 4152a are abutted and deformed by the first mating connector 301, the first extension plate 414 can move appropriately in the first groove 1118 along the first direction A1-A1.

[0138] Please combine Figures 18 to 20 As shown, each second grounding plate 42 is generally U-shaped and includes a third mounting plate 421, a fourth mounting plate 422 opposite to the third mounting plate 421, a second connecting plate 423 connecting one side of the third mounting plate 421 and one side of the fourth mounting plate 422, and a second extension plate 424 extending from the other side of the fourth mounting plate 422. The third mounting plate 421 is provided with a second mounting positioning hole 4211 that mates with the second positioning post 1224. The second extension plate 424 is received in the second groove 1218 of the corresponding second conductive housing 12, and the second extension plate 424 is provided with a second mounting hole 4241 that mates with the second mounting protrusion 1219.

[0139] The second connecting plate 423 abuts against and at least partially covers the second top surface 220 of the second insulating fixing block 22. The second connecting plate 423 is located at the upper end of the first receiving slot 101 along the first direction A1-A1; when the first mating connector 301 is inserted, the first mating connector 301 may first contact the second connecting plate 423, thereby facilitating the release of static electricity. The fourth mounting plate 422 is provided with a plurality of second grounding spring arms 425 arranged at intervals along the second direction A2-A2. A second grounding spring arm 425 is provided on both sides of the second contact arm 320 of each group of second conductive terminals 32 to improve the shielding effect and enhance the quality of signal transmission.

[0140] The second grounding spring arm 425 generally protrudes inward in a direction away from the third mounting plate 421. Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second grounding spring arm 425 includes a second intermediate portion 4250, a third spring arm portion 4251 connecting one end of the second intermediate portion 4250 and the second connecting plate 423, and a fourth spring arm portion 4252 connecting the other end of the second intermediate portion 4250 and the second extension plate 424. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second intermediate portion 4250 is provided with a second protrusion 4250a extending into the first receiving slot 101. The third spring arm portion 4251 is provided with a third abutting spring arm 4251a extending toward the second intermediate portion 4250, and a third clearance groove 4251b corresponding to the third abutting spring arm 4251a and providing deformation space for the third abutting spring arm 4251a. The fourth spring arm portion 4252 is provided with a fourth abutting spring arm 4252a extending towards the second intermediate portion 4250, and a fourth clearance groove 4252b corresponding to the fourth abutting spring arm 4252a and providing deformation space for the fourth abutting spring arm 4252a. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the third abutting spring arm 4251a and the fourth abutting spring arm 4252a are respectively located on both sides of the second intermediate portion 4250. The third abutting spring arm 4251a and the fourth abutting spring arm 4252a are aligned along the first direction A1-A1. The free ends of the third abutting spring arm 4251a and the fourth abutting spring arm 4252a are both close to the second intermediate portion 4250. The third abutting spring arm 4251a, the second protrusion 4250a, and the fourth abutting spring arm 4252a are all in contact with the first mating connector 301. This three-point contact method is beneficial for achieving a better shielding effect.

[0141] In one embodiment of the present invention, the third spring arm portion 4251 is provided with a third frame 4251c that surrounds the third spring arm. The third clearance groove 4251b is a closed groove and is surrounded by the third frame 4251c. The third abutting spring arm 4251a is connected to one wall of the third frame 4251c, and the other three walls of the third frame 4251c surround the other three sides of the third abutting spring arm 4251a. In one embodiment of the present invention, by providing the third frame 4251c surrounding the third abutting spring arm 4251a, better protection can be provided for the third abutting spring arm 4251a, preventing excessive deformation of the third abutting spring arm 4251a.

[0142] Similarly, the fourth spring arm 4252 is provided with a fourth frame 4252c that surrounds the fourth spring arm 4252. The fourth clearance groove 4252b is a closed groove and is surrounded by the fourth frame 4252c. The fourth abutment spring arm 4252a is connected to one wall of the fourth frame 4252c, and the other three walls of the fourth frame 4252c surround the other three sides of the fourth abutment spring arm 4252a. In one embodiment of the present invention, by providing the fourth frame 4252c surrounding the fourth abutment spring arm 4252a, better protection can be provided for the fourth abutment spring arm 4252a, preventing excessive deformation of the fourth abutment spring arm 4252a.

[0143] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second positioning post 1224 is fixed to the second mounting positioning hole 4211, thereby fixing the third mounting plate 421 to the fourth outer surface 1222 of the second protrusion 122. Please refer to... Figure 13 As shown, the size of the second mounting hole 4241 along the first direction A1-A1 can be slightly larger than the size of the second mounting protrusion 1219 along the first direction A1-A1, so that when the third abutting spring arm 4251a, the second intermediate portion 4250 and the fourth abutting spring arm 4252a are abutted and deformed by the first mating connector 301, the second extension plate 424 can move appropriately in the second groove 1218 along the first direction A1-A1.

[0144] When assembling the first electrical connector 100, firstly, the first insulating fixing block 21 is fixed in the first filling groove 1123, and the second insulating fixing block 22 is fixed in the second filling groove 1223.

[0145] Then, the first terminal module 31a and the second terminal module 32a are installed from bottom to top along the first direction A1-A1 into the corresponding first terminal module mounting slots 113 and 123. At this time, the first retaining block 33 is held in the corresponding first terminal module mounting slot 113, so that the first fixing part 311 of the first conductive terminal 31 is mounted in the first terminal module mounting slot 113 to avoid short circuit due to contact with the first conductive housing 11. The first contact arm 310 of the first signal terminal S1 extends at least partially into the first slot 211 of the first insulating retaining block 21. The first contact arm 310 of the second signal terminal S2 extends at least partially into the second slot 212 of the first insulating retaining block 21. Similarly, the second retaining block 34 is held in the corresponding second terminal module mounting slot 123, so that the second fixing part 321 of the second conductive terminal 32 is mounted in the second terminal module mounting slot 123 to avoid short circuit due to contact with the second conductive housing 12. The second contact arm 320 of the third signal terminal S3 extends at least partially into the third slot 221 of the second insulating fixing block 22. The second contact arm 320 of the fourth signal terminal S4 extends at least partially into the fourth slot 222 of the second insulating fixing block 22. At this time, the first tail 313 of the first conductive terminal 31 is exposed outward in the first mounting groove 1116, and the second tail 323 of the second conductive terminal 32 is exposed outward in the second mounting groove 1216.

[0146] Then, the first grounding piece 41 and the second grounding piece 42 are respectively installed on the first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12.

[0147] Then, the first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12 are abutted together; the first base 111 corresponds to the second base 121; the first protrusion 112 corresponds to the second protrusion 122. Furthermore, to further increase the bonding force between the first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12, the first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12 are welded at the joint. For example, please combine... Figure 11As shown, the first conductive housing 11 has a recessed first welding groove 11a at the joint position, and the second conductive housing 12 has a recessed second welding groove 12a at the joint position. The first welding groove 11a and the second welding groove 12a at corresponding positions are connected, which facilitates the filling of solder into the first welding groove 11a and the second welding groove 12a, thereby achieving welding and fixing of the first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12. After the first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12 are fixed, a first receiving slot 101 for receiving the first mating connector 301 is formed between the first protrusion 112 and the second protrusion 122.

[0148] Then, the first electrical connector 100 is mounted on the circuit board 400, for example, by soldering. The first positioning protrusion 1117 and the corresponding second positioning protrusion 1217 are combined to form a positioning protrusion, which is inserted into the first positioning hole 406 of the circuit board 400. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, both the first positioning protrusion 1117 and the second positioning protrusion 1217 are half-positioning protrusions. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the cross-sections of both the first positioning protrusion 1117 and the second positioning protrusion 1217 are semi-circular, and the two are combined to form a circle.

[0149] Finally, the shielding housing assembly 500 is mounted on the circuit board 400, and the shielding housing assembly 500 surrounds the periphery of the first electrical connector 100 and the second electrical connector 200. The first receiving cavity 500a of the shielding housing assembly 500 is connected to the first receiving slot 101 of the first electrical connector 100 along the first direction A1-A1 to jointly receive the first mating connector 301. The second receiving cavity 500b of the shielding housing assembly 500 is connected to the second receiving slot 101' of the second electrical connector 200 along the first direction A1-A1 to jointly receive the second mating connector 302.

[0150] Those skilled in the art will understand that the order of the steps in the above assembly method can be flexibly adjusted as needed, and this invention will not elaborate further on this.

[0151] Compared to existing technologies, the first electrical connector 100 of the present invention uses the conductive housing 1 to replace the insulating body in related technologies, thereby improving the shielding effect and enhancing the signal transmission quality. Furthermore, by separately configuring and fixing the first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12 together, the structure is simplified. Additionally, the present invention also includes a shielding housing assembly 500, which improves the shielding effect on the conductive terminals 3 and enhances the signal transmission quality.

[0152] Those skilled in the art will understand that the shielding housing assembly 500 disclosed in the illustrated embodiments of the present invention differs from the metal housing fixed to an insulating body in related technologies. The shielding housing assembly 500 disclosed in the illustrated embodiments of the present invention is substantially located around the first electrical connector 100 and the second electrical connector 200, without emphasizing its fixing function to the first electrical connector 100 and the second electrical connector 200. The space provided by the shielding housing assembly 500 to accommodate the first electrical connector 100 is larger than the space occupied by the first electrical connector 100 itself; the space provided by the shielding housing assembly 500 to accommodate the second electrical connector 200 is larger than the space occupied by the second electrical connector 200 itself; this arrangement is to improve the shielding effect of the shielding housing assembly 500 during mating.

[0153] In the description of this invention, modifiers such as "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are merely for naming the components and do not imply any quantity or logical relationship. For example, the overarching concept of the first conductive housing 11 and the second conductive housing 12 is conductive housing 1; and so on.

[0154] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. The understanding of the present invention should be based on those skilled in the art. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A first electrical connector (100) configured to be mounted on a circuit board (400) along a first direction (A1-A1), characterized in that, The first electrical connector (100) includes: A conductive housing (1) having a first receiving slot (101) extending along a first direction (A1-A1) and configured to at least partially receive a first mating connector (301) along the first direction (A1-A1), the first direction (A1-A1) being perpendicular to the circuit board (400); and A plurality of conductive terminals (3) are at least partially disposed in the conductive housing (1); each conductive terminal (3) includes a contact arm, the contact arm including a contact portion that at least partially protrudes into the first receiving slot (101) and is configured to make electrical contact with the first mating connector (301); the plurality of conductive terminals (3) do not contact the conductive housing (1).

2. The first electrical connector (100) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The first electrical connector (100) includes a first module (M1) and a second module (M2); The first module (M1) includes: First conductive housing (11); and A first terminal module (31a) is at least partially disposed in the first conductive housing (11). The first terminal module (31a) includes a plurality of first conductive terminals (31). Each first conductive terminal (31) includes a first contact arm (310). The first contact arm (310) includes a first contact portion (3101) that at least partially protrudes into the first receiving slot (101) and is configured to contact the first mating connector (301). The second module (M2) includes: The second conductive housing (12); and The second terminal module (32a) is at least partially disposed in the second conductive housing (12). The second terminal module (32a) includes a plurality of second conductive terminals (32). Each second conductive terminal (32) includes a second contact arm (320). The second contact arm (320) includes a second contact portion (3201) that at least partially protrudes into the first receiving slot (101) and is configured to contact the first mating connector (301). The conductive housing (1) includes the first conductive housing (11) and the second conductive housing (12); the plurality of conductive terminals (3) includes the plurality of first conductive terminals (31) and the plurality of second conductive terminals (32); the contact arm includes the first contact arm (310) and the second contact arm (320); the contact portion includes the first contact portion (3101) and the second contact portion (3201).

3. The first electrical connector (100) as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The first conductive housing (11) of the first module (M1) and the second conductive housing (12) of the second module (M2) are separately disposed and fixed together to form the first receiving slot (101).

4. The first electrical connector (100) as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The first conductive housing (11) is provided with a first positioning protrusion (1117) extending along the first direction (A1-A1); the second conductive housing (12) is provided with a second positioning protrusion (1217) extending along the first direction (A1-A1); The circuit board (400) is provided with a first positioning hole (406); The first positioning protrusion (1117) and the second positioning protrusion (1217) are combined to form a positioning protrusion and inserted into the first positioning hole (406).

5. The first electrical connector (100) as described in claim 2, characterized in that: At the junction of the first conductive housing (11) and the second conductive housing (12), the first conductive housing (11) is provided with a first welding groove (11a), and the second conductive housing (12) is provided with a second welding groove (12a) that communicates with the first welding groove (11a); the first conductive housing (11) and the second conductive housing (12) are welded together.

6. The first electrical connector (100) as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The first conductive housing (11) is provided with a first terminal module mounting groove (113); The second conductive housing (12) is provided with a second terminal module mounting groove (123); The first terminal module (31a) has two first conductive terminals (31), which are respectively a first signal terminal (S1) and a second signal terminal (S2); the first terminal module (31a) includes a first retaining block (33) fixed on the first signal terminal (S1) and the second signal terminal (S2); the first retaining block (33) is received in the first terminal module mounting groove (113), so that the first signal terminal (S1) and the second signal terminal (S2) are mounted in the first terminal module mounting groove (113) so as not to contact the first conductive housing (11); The second terminal module (32a) has two second conductive terminals (32), which are respectively a third signal terminal (S3) and a fourth signal terminal (S4); the second terminal module (32a) includes a second retaining block (34) fixed on the third signal terminal (S3) and the fourth signal terminal (S4); the second retaining block (34) is received in the second terminal module mounting groove (123), so that the third signal terminal (S3) and the fourth signal terminal (S4) are mounted in the second terminal module mounting groove (123) and do not contact the second conductive housing (12).

7. The first electrical connector (100) as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The first conductive housing (11) includes a first filling groove (1123); The first module (M1) includes a first insulating fixing block (21) fixed in the first filling groove (1123). The first insulating fixing block (21) is provided with a first slot (211) and a second slot (212), which are arranged side by side. The first contact arm (310) of the first signal terminal (S1) extends at least partially into the first slot (211), and the first contact arm (310) of the second signal terminal (S2) extends at least partially into the second slot (212).

8. The first electrical connector (100) as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The second conductive housing (12) includes a second filling groove (1223); The second module (M2) includes a second insulating fixing block (22) fixed in the second filling groove (1223). The second insulating fixing block (22) is provided with a third slot (221) and a fourth slot (222), which are arranged side by side. The second contact arm (320) of the third signal terminal (S3) extends at least partially into the third slot (221), and the second contact arm (320) of the fourth signal terminal (S4) extends at least partially into the fourth slot (222).

9. The first electrical connector (100) as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The first module (M1) includes a first grounding plate (41), the first grounding plate (41) includes a first mounting plate (411), a second mounting plate (412) opposite to the first mounting plate (411), and a first connecting plate (413) connecting one side of the first mounting plate (411) and one side of the second mounting plate (412); the first mounting plate (411) is fixed to the first conductive housing (11), and the second mounting plate (412) is provided with a first grounding spring arm (415) protruding into the first receiving slot (101) and configured to abut against the first mating connector (301).

10. The first electrical connector (100) as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that: One end of the first grounding spring arm (415) is fixed, and the other end of the first grounding spring arm (415) moves along the first direction (A1-A1) after the first docking connector (301) is inserted into the first receiving slot (101).

11. A connector assembly, characterized in that, include: A first electrical connector (100), wherein the first electrical connector (100) is the first electrical connector (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 10; and A shielding housing assembly (500) is configured to be mounted on a circuit board (400) along a first direction (A1-A1). The shielding housing assembly (500) includes a first receiving cavity (500a) communicating with a first receiving slot (101) along the first direction (A1-A1). The first receiving cavity (500a) and the first receiving slot (101) are configured to jointly at least partially receive a first mating connector (301).

12. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that: The shielding housing assembly (500) includes a first metal housing (501), the first metal housing (501) including a first end wall (5011) and a plurality of first fixing feet (5011a) protruding downward from the bottom edge of the first end wall (5011) along the first direction (A1-A1). The circuit board (400) is provided with a plurality of first mounting holes (404); The first fixing foot (5011a) is configured to be pressed into the first mounting hole (404).

13. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that: The shielding housing assembly (500) includes a first metal housing (501), the first metal housing (501) includes a first end wall (5011), and the first end wall (5011) is provided with a first opening (5010) communicating with the first receiving cavity (500a). The shielding housing assembly (500) includes a first heat sink (71) fixed to the first end wall (5011). The first heat sink (71) includes a first body portion (711) and a plurality of first heat sink fins (712) protruding to one side of the first body portion (711). The first body portion (711) at least partially passes through the first opening (5010) to protrude into the first receiving cavity (500a). The first body portion (711) is configured to contact the first mating connector (301).

14. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that: The circuit board (400) has a first surface (401), a second surface (402) opposite to the first surface (401), and a first heat dissipation groove (408) that runs through the first surface (401) and the second surface (402) along the first direction (A1-A1); the first heat dissipation fin (712) corresponds to the first heat dissipation groove (408) and is located above the first heat dissipation groove (408).

15. A connector assembly, characterized in that, include: The first electrical connector (100) is the first electrical connector (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 10; A second electrical connector (200) is provided with a second receiving slot (101') extending along a first direction (A1-A1); as well as A shielding housing assembly (500) is configured to be mounted on a circuit board (400); the shielding housing assembly (500) includes a first metal housing (501), a second metal housing (502) snapped together with the first metal housing (501), and an intermediate metal housing (503) fixed to the first metal housing (501); the intermediate metal housing (503) divides the shielding housing assembly (500) into a first receiving cavity (500a) and a second receiving cavity (500b) respectively located on both sides of the intermediate metal housing (503); The first receiving cavity (500a) and the first receiving slot (101) are connected along the first direction (A1-A1), and the first receiving cavity (500a) and the first receiving slot (101) are configured to jointly at least partially receive the first mating connector (301); The second receiving cavity (500b) and the second receiving slot (101') are connected along the first direction (A1-A1), and the second receiving cavity (500b) and the second receiving slot (101') are configured to jointly at least partially receive the second mating connector (302).

16. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that: The first electrical connector (100) and the second electrical connector (200) have the same structure, but different installation angles.

17. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that: The first metal housing (501) includes a first end wall (5011), a first side wall (5012) bent vertically from one end of the first end wall (5011), and a second side wall (5013) bent vertically from the other end of the first end wall (5011); the first end wall (5011) is provided with a first opening (5010) communicating with the first receiving cavity (500a); The second metal housing (502) includes a second end wall (5021), a first retaining wall (5022) bent vertically from one end of the second end wall (5021), and a second retaining wall (5023) bent vertically from the other end of the second end wall (5021); the second end wall (5021) is provided with a second opening (5020) communicating with the second receiving cavity (500b); The first retaining wall (5022) is fastened and fixed to the first side wall (5012), and the second retaining wall (5023) is fastened and fixed to the second side wall (5013); The shielding housing assembly (500) includes a first heat sink (71) fixed to the first end wall (5011) and a second heat sink (72) fixed to the second end wall (5021); The first heat sink (71) includes a first body portion (711) and a plurality of first heat sink fins (712) protruding to one side of the first body portion (711). The first body portion (711) at least partially passes through the first opening (5010) to protrude into the first receiving cavity (500a). The first body portion (711) is configured to contact the first docking connector (301). The second heat sink (72) includes a second body portion (721) and a plurality of second heat sink fins (722) protruding to one side of the second body portion (721). The second body portion (721) at least partially passes through the second opening (5020) to protrude into the second receiving cavity (500b). The second body portion (721) is configured to contact the second mating connector (302).

18. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that: The circuit board (400) is provided with a first surface (401), a second surface (402) opposite to the first surface (401), a first heat dissipation groove (408) passing through the first surface (401) and the second surface (402) along the first direction (A1-A1), and a second heat dissipation groove (409) passing through the first surface (401) and the second surface (402) along the first direction (A1-A1); The first heat dissipation fin (712) corresponds to the first heat dissipation groove (408) and is located above the first heat dissipation groove (408); the second heat dissipation fin (722) corresponds to the second heat dissipation groove (409) and is located above the second heat dissipation groove (409).

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