High speed, high density FFC cable connector with CPA and tpa

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a high-speed high-density FFC cable connector with CPA and TPA, the plug connector including a first conductive assembly, a first housing assembly, and a connector locking assembly including a first member movable between a first locking position and a first release position, a second member movable between a second locking position and a third releasing position, and a third member movable between a second locking position and a third releasing position. The first component is configured to be matched with the first shell assembly and lock the second component when located at the first locking position and to be unmatched with the first shell assembly and release the second component when located at the first release position. The second component is configured to be movable between a second locking position locked by the first component and a second releasing position matched with the third component, and the third component is configured to be movable between a third locking position capable of locking a matched socket connector and a third releasing position matched with the second component to release the socket connector. Therefore, the plug connector can be prevented from being accidentally removed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the field of connector technology, and more specifically, to plug connectors and socket connectors having a novel connector locking assembly (CPA). These connectors are particularly suitable for harsh environments with high vibration, such as vehicles, and more specifically, for new energy vehicles. Furthermore, this disclosure also relates to electrical connectors having a novel terminal locking assembly (TPA), by which conductive components of the electrical connector can be replaced. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical connectors are used in many electronic systems. It is often easier and more cost-effective to manufacture electronic systems as individual electronic components that can be connected together using electrical connectors. Electrical connectors can be used to interconnect components so that these components can work together as part of an electronic system. For example, electrical connectors can be mounted on circuit boards within two components, which are connected by mating with these connectors. In other electronic systems, connecting two circuit boards by directly mating electrical connectors on those boards may be impractical. For example, when assembling the electronic system, the circuit boards may be spaced far apart, making it impossible for the electrical connectors mounted on the circuit boards to connect directly.

[0003] In some electronic systems, connections between components can be achieved via cables. These cables can be terminated with connectors that mate with connectors mounted on a circuit board. In this way, connections between components can be achieved by inserting an electrical connector, which is part of a cable assembly, into an electrical connector mounted on the circuit board. In other electronic system architectures, the electrical connector terminating a cable can mate with another electrical connector terminating another cable.

[0004] Modern automobiles are an example of electronic systems where components are connected by cables. For instance, a car includes an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that controls various vehicle systems such as the engine, transmission (TCU), safety systems, emission control, lighting, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), entertainment systems, navigation systems, and cameras. ECUs can be manufactured as separate components and connected via one or more vehicle networks with cables arranged between them. To simplify car manufacturing, these components can be made individually and then connected via cables terminated with electrical connectors that can connect to adapter connectors that terminate other cables or to circuit boards attached within these components. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To at least partially address the problems existing in the prior art, one aspect of this disclosure provides a plug connector. The plug connector includes: a first conductive component; a first housing assembly to which the first conductive component is mounted; and a connector locking assembly including a first member, a second member, and a third member. The first member is movable between a first engaged position and a first released position, the first member being configured to engage with the first housing assembly and lock the second member in the first engaged position, and to disengage from the first housing assembly and release the second member in the first released position. The second member is movable between a second engaged position locked by the first member and a second released position engaging with the third member. The third member is movable between a third engaged position for locking a mating receptacle connector and a third released position engaging with the second member to release the receptacle connector.

[0006] For example, the first component includes: a first body, the first body including a first operating part, the first operating part being operable to move the first component between a first locked position and a first released position along a first direction; and a first locking part, the first locking part locking the second component when the first component is in the first locked position and releasing the second component when the first component is in the first released position.

[0007] For example, the first operating part is operable between an initial position and a first operating position along a second direction different from the first direction, wherein: when the first operating part is in the initial position, a limiting part on the first housing assembly blocks the first operating part along the first direction, so that the first member is held in a first locked position; and when the first operating part is in the first operating position, the first operating part releases the limiting part, so that the first member can be moved to a first released position.

[0008] For example, the limiting portion extends along a first direction, the first operating portion abuts against the end of the limiting portion when in the initial state, and the first operating portion slides past the end of the limiting portion and along the limiting portion when in the first operating position, so that the first member moves to the first release position.

[0009] For example, the first operating part includes a cantilever and a pair of wings that protrude outward from both sides of the free end of the cantilever, and the limiting parts are arranged in pairs to block the pair of wings in a first direction.

[0010] For example, the outer surface of the first operating part has a protrusion that protrudes from the outer surface of the first body, and a protruding protective part is provided on the outer surface of the first body, the protective part being disposed around the protrusion.

[0011] For example, the first component further includes a first intermediate portion connected between the first locking portion and the first body; the third component includes: a third locking portion configured as a lockable and release socket connector; a third tail portion located at opposite ends of the third component; and a third intermediate portion connected between the third locking portion and the third tail portion, the width of the third intermediate portion being less than the width of the third locking portion and at least a portion of the width of the third tail portion, a gap being provided on the first intermediate portion, and the third intermediate portion passing through the gap.

[0012] For example, the width of the third locking portion and the width of at least a portion of the third tail portion are both greater than the width of the gap.

[0013] For example, the width of the third middle section is adapted to the width of the gap.

[0014] For example, the second member is configured to be pressable to a second release position toward the inside of the first housing assembly, and the first locking part is located inside the second member. When the first member is in the first locking position, the first locking part abuts against the second member toward the outside of the first housing assembly so that the second member is held in the second locking position.

[0015] For example, the third member includes a third opening extending in a first direction, and the first locking portion passes through the third opening to engage with the second member and is slidable along the third opening.

[0016] For example, a first housing assembly is provided with a mounting channel extending along a first direction, and a first member is movably mounted to the mounting channel between a first locked position and a first released position along the first direction, the mounting channel at least limiting the movement of the first member in the first direction.

[0017] Exemplarily, the first component includes a first body. The first body includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a third sidewall. A first operating part is provided on the first sidewall, operable to move the first component between a first locked position and a first released position. The second and third sidewalls are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the first sidewall, and a first engaging part and a second engaging part are respectively provided on the second and third sidewalls. A first housing assembly is provided with a first slot and a second slot extending along a first direction. The first engaging part and the second engaging part engage with the first slot and the second slot respectively along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the first engaging part and the second engaging part are slidable along the first slot and the second slot.

[0018] For example, both the second and third components are located within the mounting channel, and along the first direction, the third component is secured in place by the second component and the first housing assembly.

[0019] For example, the first direction is parallel to the mating direction of the plug connector and the socket connector.

[0020] For example, the third component includes: a third locking portion for locking and releasing the socket connector; and a third tail portion, the third locking portion and the third tail portion being located at opposite ends of the third component, the third tail portion including a connecting segment, an intermediate segment and an end portion sequentially connected along the mating direction of the plug connector and the socket connector, the connecting segment being connected to the third locking portion, wherein: the intermediate segment bends toward the inside of the first housing assembly and abuts against the first housing assembly; the end portion abuts against the first housing assembly toward the outside of the first housing assembly; and a fulcrum is provided on the first housing assembly, the fulcrum biasing the connecting segment toward the outside of the first housing assembly.

[0021] For example, third wings are provided on both sides of the end of the third tail portion, and the third wings abut against the first housing assembly along the insertion direction of the plug connector to the socket connector.

[0022] For example, the third component also includes a protruding third limiting portion that abuts against the second component along the pull-out direction of the plug connector from the socket connector.

[0023] For example, the third component is made of a metal sheet.

[0024] For example, the first housing assembly includes a front housing and a rear housing, a first conductive component extends into the front housing, a first member is mounted to the rear housing and extends into the front housing, a second member is mounted between the front housing and a portion of the first member extending into the front housing, and a third member is mounted to the rear housing and extends into the front housing.

[0025] This prevents the plug connector from being accidentally removed from the socket connector in complex environments, such as when subjected to vibration, impact, or tangled with cables.

[0026] According to another aspect of this application, a socket connector is provided, comprising: a second conductive component configured for electrical connection with a first conductive component on a plug connector inserted into the socket connector; a second housing assembly to which the second conductive component is mounted; and a housing surrounding the second housing assembly, the housing having a connector locking adapter configured for locking with a connector locking component on the plug connector.

[0027] For example, the connector locking adapter includes a first connector locking adapter and a second connector locking adapter, which are arranged sequentially along the mating direction of the plug connector and the socket connector. Each of the first connector locking adapter and the second connector locking adapter can be locked with the connector locking component on the plug connector.

[0028] For example, the body is formed by bending metal sheets, with mortise and tenon structures formed on opposite edges of the metal sheets to connect the edges of the metal sheets to each other.

[0029] For example, the compartment includes a plate lock for mounting to a circuit board.

[0030] For example, the inner surface of the front part of the housing is spaced apart from the outer surface of the second housing assembly to form a space for receiving the insertion portion of the plug connector, and the connector locking adapter is disposed in the space.

[0031] According to another aspect of this application, a method for operating a plug connector is provided, comprising: moving a first member from a first locked position to a first released position to release a second member in a second locked position; moving the second member from the second locked position to a second released position to unlock a third member, wherein the third member is in a third locked position when the second member is in the second locked position; and the third member is in a third released position when the second member is in the second released position to release a socket connector adapted to the plug connector.

[0032] For example, the step of moving the first component from the first locked position to the first released position includes: pressing a first operating part on the first component in the first locked position; and moving the first component along a first direction so that the first component moves to the first released position.

[0033] When a problem with the first conductive component renders the plug connector unusable, replacing only the first conductive component can save costs compared to replacing the entire plug connector. Using a first locking element to clamp the first conductive component also simplifies the assembly process, resulting in a simpler structure and reducing design and assembly complexity.

[0034] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a connector is provided, comprising: a conductive component; a housing assembly into which the conductive component is inserted; and a terminal locking assembly. The terminal locking assembly includes a first locking member and a stress-relieving member fixed to the first locking member. The first locking member has a first locked position and a first unlocked position. When the first locking member is in the first locked position, the conductive component is clamped between the housing assembly and the stress-relieving member; and when the first locking member is in the first unlocked position, the conductive component is detachable from the housing assembly.

[0035] For example, the first locking member is detachably connected to the housing assembly between the first locked position and the first unlocked position.

[0036] For example, the first locking element includes a resilient snap that engages with the housing assembly, the resilient snap being disengaged from the housing assembly by the action of a tool.

[0037] For example, the stress relief component is fitted onto the first locking component.

[0038] For example, the stress relief element is made of an elastic material.

[0039] For example, the conductive component includes a flexible flat cable, which includes a mating contact end extending into the housing assembly, a mounting end located outside the housing assembly, and an intermediate section connecting the mating contact end and the mounting end. When the first locking member is in a first locked position, the intermediate section is clamped between the housing assembly and the stress relief member.

[0040] For example, the middle section is bent under the pressure of the first locking member.

[0041] For example, the middle section is offset relative to the mating contact end toward one side of the housing assembly.

[0042] For example, the terminal locking assembly further includes a second locking member having a second locking position and a second unlocking position, wherein when the second locking member is in the second locking position, the second locking member is connected to the housing assembly and engages with the conductive component; and when the second locking member is in the second unlocking position, the second locking member releases the conductive component.

[0043] For example, the conductive component includes a flexible flat cable and a reinforcing plate. The flexible flat cable includes a mating contact end extending into the housing assembly, a mounting end located outside the housing assembly, and an intermediate section connecting the mating contact end and the mounting end. The mating contact end is secured to the reinforcing plate, the edge of which is provided with a notch for insertion of a second locking member.

[0044] For example, the second locking member is pivotally connected to the housing assembly between the second locked position and the second unlocked position.

[0045] For example, along a lateral direction perpendicular to the mating direction of the connector and the adapter connector, the housing assembly has opposing first and second sides, and there are two second locking members symmetrically arranged on the first and second sides.

[0046] For example, the housing assembly includes a front housing and a rear housing, with the conductive component passing through the rear housing and extending into the front housing.

[0047] For example, the first locking member is connected to the rear housing, and the second locking member is connected to the front housing.

[0048] For example, the connector also includes a pivot shaft, one end of which is connected to the front housing. The second locking member is provided with a pivot hole, into which the pivot shaft is inserted to pivot between a second locked position and a second unlocked position. The rear housing is connected to the front housing, and the other end of the rear housing restricts the second locking member from disengaging from the pivot shaft.

[0049] For example, the connector can be a plug connector.

[0050] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a cable connector is provided, including a housing assembly and a conductive assembly. The conductive assembly includes at least one flexible flat cable, each of the at least one flexible flat cable including a mating contact end, a mounting end, and an intermediate section connecting the mating contact end and the mounting end. The mating contact end of the at least one flexible flat cable extends into the housing assembly. The mating contact end of the at least one flexible flat cable has a first surface and a second surface. Each of the first surface and the second surface includes a plurality of contact pads arranged in a row along a first lateral direction. The first surface and the second surface are opposite each other along a second lateral direction perpendicular to the first lateral direction.

[0051] For example, the conductive component is detachably connected to the housing component.

[0052] For example, the cable connector further includes a first locking member having a first locked position and a first unlocked position, wherein when the first locking member is in the first locked position, the middle section is sandwiched between the housing assembly and the first locking member; and when the first locking member is in the first unlocked position, the conductive component is detachable from the housing assembly.

[0053] For example, the cable connector further includes a stress relief member fixed to the first locking member, wherein when the first locking member is in the first locking position, the stress relief member is clamped between the intermediate section and the first locking member.

[0054] For example, the stress relief component is fitted onto the first locking component.

[0055] For example, the stress relief element is made of an elastic material.

[0056] For example, the middle section is bent under the pressure of the first locking member.

[0057] For example, the middle section is offset relative to the mating contact end toward one side of the housing assembly.

[0058] For example, the first locking element includes a resilient snap that engages with the housing assembly, the resilient snap being disengaged from the housing assembly by the action of a tool.

[0059] For example, the conductive component also includes a reinforcing plate, which is fixed to the mating contact end and the reinforcing plate is fixed to the housing assembly.

[0060] For example, at least one flexible flat cable includes a first flexible flat cable and a second flexible flat cable. The mating contact end of the first flexible flat cable includes a first surface and a third surface. The third surface and the first surface are opposite to each other in a second lateral direction. The mating contact end of the second flexible flat cable includes a second surface and a fourth surface. The fourth surface and the second surface are opposite to each other in a second lateral direction, and the third surface and the fourth surface are disposed opposite to each other.

[0061] For example, reinforcing plates are fixed to the third and fourth surfaces respectively, and the reinforcing plates are fixed to the housing assembly.

[0062] For example, the cable connector further includes a second locking member having a second locked position and a second unlocked position, wherein: when the second locking member is in the second locked position, it is connected to the housing assembly and engages with a reinforcing plate to secure the reinforcing plate to the housing assembly; and when the second locking member is in the second unlocked position, it releases the reinforcing plate.

[0063] For example, the edge of the reinforcing plate is provided with a notch, and the second locking member is inserted into the notch when it is in the second locking position.

[0064] For example, the housing assembly includes: a front housing; a pivot shaft, one end of which is connected to the front housing, a second locking member having a pivot hole, the pivot shaft being inserted into the pivot hole to allow the second locking member to pivot between a second locked position and a second unlocked position; and a rear housing connected to the front housing, the other end of which restricts the second locking member from disengaging from the pivot shaft.

[0065] For example, the cable connector is a plug connector.

[0066] This allows for the provision of high-density contact plates, forming high-density cables.

[0067] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an electrical system is provided. The electrical system includes any of the connectors described above.

[0068] A series of simplified concepts are introduced in the description of the invention, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This description is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0069] The advantages and features of this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0070] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference as part of this disclosure, are provided for understanding the disclosure. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and their descriptions, serving to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings,

[0071] Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of an electronic system according to a disclosed exemplary embodiment, wherein a plug connector and a socket connector are connected in place;

[0072] Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an electronic system according to a disclosed exemplary embodiment, wherein the plug connector and the socket connector are disconnected;

[0073] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic system according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, wherein a plug connector and a socket connector are connected in place;

[0074] Figure 4 A perspective view of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed;

[0075] Figure 5 An exploded view of a plug connector according to a disclosed exemplary embodiment;

[0076] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The following are enlarged partial views of a plug connector in different states according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 7A This is a partially enlarged view of a plug connector cut along the thickness direction according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 7B and Figure 7C A partial rear view of a plug connector in different states according to a disclosed exemplary embodiment;

[0079] Figure 8A A perspective view of the front and rear housings of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed;

[0080] Figure 8B A perspective view of a plug connector after removing the second component according to a disclosed exemplary embodiment;

[0081] Figure 9A and Figure 9B The first component according to a disclosed exemplary embodiment is viewed from different directions;

[0082] Figure 10A and Figure 10B The second component, according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, is viewed from different directions in a perspective view.

[0083] Figure 11A A perspective view of a third component according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed;

[0084] Figure 11B and Figure 11C These are partial schematic diagrams illustrating the installation of a third component onto a first housing assembly according to a disclosed exemplary embodiment.

[0085] Figure 12 A perspective view of a portion of a first conductive component according to a disclosed exemplary embodiment;

[0086] Figure 13 A perspective view of a plug connector separated from a first locking member according to a disclosed exemplary embodiment;

[0087] Figure 14A A cross-sectional view of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed;

[0088] Figure 14B A cross-sectional view of a plug connector according to one exemplary embodiment disclosed from another angle;

[0089] Figure 15A A perspective view of a first locking member according to a disclosed exemplary embodiment;

[0090] Figure 15B This is a perspective view of the first locking member and the stress-relieving member assembled according to a disclosed exemplary embodiment;

[0091] Figure 16A and Figure 16B These are perspective views of a portion of a plug connector according to a disclosed exemplary embodiment, wherein the second locking member is in a second unlocked position;

[0092] Figure 17 A perspective view of a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed; and

[0093] Figure 18 An exploded view of a socket connector according to a disclosed exemplary embodiment.

[0094] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0095] 10. Plug connector; 11. First adapter portion; 12. First tail portion; 100. First conductive component; 111. Flexible flat cable; 111A. Mating contact end; 111B. Mounting end; 111C. Intermediate section; 112. Reinforcing plate; 113. Contact plate; 114. Notch; 20. Socket connector; 21. Second adapter portion; 200. First housing assembly; 201. Front housing; 2011. Hole; 2012. Pivoting protrusion; 2013. Stop; 202. Rear housing; 2021. First side; 2022. Second side; 2023. Third side; 2024. Fourth side; 20 25. First protrusion; 203. Guide groove; 204. First slot; 205. Second slot; 206. Mounting channel; 207. Pivot point; 208. Blocking element; 209. Cavity; 211. Limiting part; 2111. End; 212. Slot; 300. Connector locking assembly; 310. First component; 311. First body; 3111. Cantilever; 3112. Wing; 3113. Protrusion; 3114. Protective part; 3115. First sidewall; 3115A. First opening; 3116. Second sidewall; 3116A. First engaging part; 3117. Third sidewall; 3117A. Second engaging part; 31 18. Reinforcing rib; 312. First locking part; 313. First intermediate part; 3131. Gap; 314. First support part; 314A. Second protrusion; 320. Second component; 320A. Front part of the second component; 320B. Front part of the second component; 321. Boss; 322. Protruding rib; 323. Separator; 324. Side plate; 330. Third component; 331. Third locking part; 3311. Barb; 332. Third intermediate part; 333. Third tail part; 3331. Connecting section; 3332. Intermediate section; 3333. End; 3333A. Third wing; 334. Third opening; 335. Step; 336. Third limiting part; 341. First locking position; 342. First releasing position; 350. Terminal locking assembly; 351. First locking element; 3511. Stress relief element; 3512. Elastic buckle; 352. Second locking element; 3521. Claw; 3522. Protruding locking position; 3523. Pivoting hole; 400. Terminal; 401. Electrical contact end; 402. Mounting end; 500. Second housing assembly; 600. Housing; 610. Connector locking adapter; 611. First connector locking adapter; 612. Second connector locking adapter; 620. Plate lock; 630. Mortise and tenon structure; 640. Spring. Detailed Implementation

[0096] In the following description, numerous details are provided to enable a thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the following description merely illustrates preferred embodiments of the disclosure, and that the disclosure can be practiced without one or more of these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion with this disclosure, some technical features well-known in the art have not been described in detail.

[0097] As Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) mature, vehicles are employing more advanced and diverse sensors. Against the backdrop of the rapid development of new energy vehicles, many key vehicle systems are gradually adopting electronic control. Electronic control systems comprise numerous independent modules, each capable of independent functionality, or multiple modules cooperating to achieve one or more functions. To control vehicle operation and monitor conditions in various locations, multiple modules can be assembled at different points within the vehicle. This necessitates a method for quickly connecting signal lines to these sensor modules and enabling high-speed communication between the sensor modules and the main control unit or other modules. Using electrical connectors is a practical and feasible solution. Electrical connectors significantly reduce assembly difficulty and cost, allowing for rapid connection and disconnection of wiring during commissioning and subsequent maintenance.

[0098] As the number of modules increases, the number of connectors required also increases accordingly. Connectors using conventional cables may become more difficult to assemble and maintain due to the cables becoming tangled. Furthermore, the data transmission rates of each module place higher demands on the cables. Flexible flat cables (FFC) offer a high-density connector solution. FFC cables flatten the conductor layers, with multiple flat conductors laid flat on a single plane and covered with insulation material on both surfaces. Due to the large surface area and small thickness of the conductors, they offer excellent performance for high-frequency signal transmission. The thin, flat structure allows them to bend freely in one direction, or to twist or fold to bend at different angles. FFC cables can transmit both data and power signals, offering excellent compatibility. Shielding materials such as copper foil can be further adhered to the surface of the insulation layer to improve electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance.

[0099] The inventors understand and recognize that while FFC cables offer good electrical performance and low cost, their mechanical properties are inherently flawed. Excessive folding can potentially cause the internal conductors to break. Due to their thickness, they are susceptible to tearing under lateral shear forces. Over long-term use, wear at the ends can lead to conductor warping or poor contact. The inventors also understand and recognize that, compared to connectors, FFC cables are relatively inexpensive consumables. Therefore, during maintenance or repair, it is usually unnecessary to replace the connector; only the FFC cable needs to be replaced. In this situation, users urgently need a simpler method to remove the FFC cable from the connector for maintenance or replacement.

[0100] The inventors also understand and recognize that conventional FFC cables have a largely identical structure from one end to the other, except that a reinforcing plate is attached to the end of the FFC cable to increase its mechanical strength. The reinforcing plate can be attached to one side of the end of the FFC cable, and the insulation layer on the other side can be cut away to expose the conductors in the FFC cable, serving as multiple terminals of the connector. Furthermore, the end of the FFC cable is typically used to maintain its position relative to the connector housing assembly to ensure sufficient electrical contact with the mating connector; therefore, the reinforcing plate also helps to secure the FFC cable to the housing assembly. Optionally, when maintaining a damaged FFC cable end, repair can be achieved by cutting off the damaged portion of the FFC cable, peeling off part of the insulation layer from the intact portion, and re-attaching it to the reinforcing plate. This significantly reduces maintenance costs, eliminating the need to replace parts.

[0101] The inventors also understand and recognize the design of a detachable connector with an FFC cable. The connector employs a novel terminal locking assembly (TPA) for quickly and easily locking the FFC cable onto or detaching it from the connector's housing assembly. Users can select an appropriate length of FFC cable and easily install it onto the connector (typically a plug connector). For later maintenance, the FFC cable can be easily removed and replaced, or minor damage can be repaired, using a simple method. In some embodiments, the terminal locking assembly may include a first locking member and a stress-relieving member disposed on the first locking member. The first locking member may be rigid and used to secure it to the housing assembly. The stress-relieving member is disposed on the surface of the first locking member to compress the FFC cable together with the housing assembly. The housing assembly is typically rigid as well; clamping the FFC cable between the first locking member and the housing assembly could damage it. Therefore, the stress-relieving member on the first locking member ensures the FFC cable is securely fixed to the housing assembly while preventing damage to the FFC cable.

[0102] As described above, the portion of the FFC cable with the reinforcing plate has a certain degree of rigidity, while the other portions are flexible. Compared to the connection between the reinforcing plate and the end of the FFC cable, the flexible portion of the FFC cable can withstand greater tensile force. In some embodiments, the first locking member can be located on the flexible portion of the FFC cable. Thus, when the FFC cable is subjected to tensile force, the external force will be mainly concentrated on the flexible portion and borne by the insulation layer of the FFC cable. Optionally, the flexible portion of the FFC cable can be bent and clamped between the first locking member and the housing assembly to increase the friction between them, thereby reliably fixing the FFC cable to the housing assembly. Along the lateral direction of the housing assembly, the first locking member can be installed on the housing assembly from one side, causing the FFC cable to bend towards the opposite side of the housing assembly. Therefore, sufficient space can be provided in the housing assembly to install a relatively large first locking member without necessarily increasing the size of the housing assembly along this lateral direction. The larger size of the first locking member means that it can have sufficient mechanical strength and facilitate user operation (e.g., installation and removal). Optionally, the first locking member is locked to the housing assembly by a resilient snap-fit. The resilient snap-fit ​​can be unlocked with a tool to prevent the FFC cable from being subjected to excessive tension, which could cause the bent section to straighten and force the first locking member to disengage from the housing assembly.

[0103] The inventors also understand and recognize that a second locking member can be provided to secure the reinforcing plate to the housing assembly. The second locking member can share the tensile force on the FFC cable and maintain the position of the terminals on the reinforcing plate relative to the housing assembly. During the insertion of the electrical connector with another compatible electrical connector, the reinforcing plate will not retract into the housing assembly due to friction. Optionally, a notch can be provided on the edge of the reinforcing plate, into which the second locking member can be inserted to secure the reinforcing plate. Optionally, the second locking member is pivotally connected to the housing assembly. When pivoted to the position where the reinforcing plate is locked, the second locking member may not protrude from the outer surface of the housing assembly. Optionally, the second locking member may be provided with a protruding latch so that the second locking member engages with the housing assembly when in the locked position. Unlocking the second locking member can be done without tools.

[0104] On the other hand, since this connector is used in vehicles, it needs to withstand complex and harsh environments such as vehicle vibration and the crushing and impact of surrounding cables. To address this, the connector can include a connector locking assembly (CPA) to prevent accidental disconnection from another mating connector. The inventors also understand and recognize a novel connector locking assembly design. This connector locking assembly requires a multi-stage unlocking operation performed by the user during unlocking. The connector locking assembly can include a first component, a second component, and a third component. Operating the first component locks and unlocks the second component; with the second component unlocked, operating the second component locks and unlocks the third component. The third component can lock and unlock between the two mating connectors. When the second component is in its locked position, it is engaged with the first component and cannot be operated. When the second component is in its released position, it unlocks the third component. Thus, after successively unlocking the first and second components, the third component is unlocked, allowing the two connectors to be separated. This increases the reliability of the connector locking assembly without significantly complicating the unlocking operation. Optionally, a fourth component can be provided between the first and third components to further increase the reliability of the connector locking assembly. In this case, the user may need to perform three unlocking operations.

[0105] Furthermore, during prolonged use, vibration and pulling may cause a certain level of locking in the connector locking assembly to fail. In the event of a failure in the first-level lock of the aforementioned connector locking assembly, it prevents the connector from completely separating for a short period, thereby preventing serious accidents caused by the accidental disconnection of a connector in a critical part of the vehicle.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first component may include a first operating part. The first component is movable along a first direction to unlock the second component. The first operating part may be configured to require the user to apply external forces in two different directions sequentially to unlock the first component. Exemplarily, a limiting part may be provided on the housing assembly, and the first component, when in its locked position, may abut against the end of the limiting part. The user can operate the first operating part along a second direction different from the first direction, causing the first operating part to pass past the end of the limiting part, and then move the first operating part along the first direction. The movement of the first operating part along the first direction can cause the first component to move as a whole, thereby unlocking the first component. Optionally, during the movement of the first component towards its release position along the first direction, the first operating part may slide on the limiting part. Thus, when the first component needs to be reset towards its locked position, simply pushing the first operating part along the first direction will cause it to automatically return to its initial position when it reaches the end of the limiting part.

[0107] Optionally, the connector locking assemblies can be arranged in pairs, each located on one side of the housing assembly. This provides a uniform locking force between the mating connectors. Optionally, the second member can be configured to move to a release position that unlocks the third member by being pressed toward the inside of the housing assembly. Thus, the user can easily detach the connector from the mating connector by pressing the second member.

[0108] The inventors also understand and recognize a housing assembly design to provide economical and efficient assembly of the connector locking assembly and / or terminal locking assembly with the housing assembly. In some embodiments, the housing assembly may include a front housing proximate to the adapter connector and a rear housing distal to the adapter connector. Exemplarily, for the connector locking assembly, a second member may be mounted on the front housing, and the rear portions of the first and third members may be secured to the rear housing, but the front portions of the first and third members extend into the front housing. The front portion of the first member extends into the front housing to mate with the second member, and the front portion of the third member extends into the front housing to mate with the adapter connector. Exemplarily, a first locking member may be mounted on the rear housing. Interconnection between the front and rear housings can be used to install the second locking member in place.

[0109] Figures 1 to 3 A portion of an electronic system, such as that used in an automobile, is shown for interconnecting multiple electronic devices within the system. As shown, the electronic system may include a plug connector 10 and a receptacle connector 20 that are mutually adapted and detachably connected to each other. The receptacle connector 20 may be mounted on a circuit board (not shown). The plug connector 10 may be connected to a cable. The plug connector 10 can be electrically connected to an electronic device, such as another circuit board, via the cable to allow for a certain distance between the electronic device and the circuit board. The cable may include a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC), as mentioned below. The plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 20 can provide interconnection between the electronic device and the circuit board. Typically, the circuit board with the receptacle connector 20 mounted may be fixed to another electronic device. In harsh environments such as those presented by automobiles, the electronic system can transmit data signals and / or power signals while being subjected to vibration.

[0110] Figure 2 , Figures 4 to 5The structure of a plug connector 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown from different aspects. For clarity and conciseness, a mating direction XX, a first lateral direction YY, and a second lateral direction ZZ are defined. The mating direction XX is the direction in which the plug connector 10 mates with the socket connector 20. The mating direction XX includes the insertion direction of the plug connector 10 into the socket connector 20 and the withdrawal direction of the plug connector 10 from the socket connector 20, with the insertion and withdrawal directions being opposite. The first lateral direction YY and the second lateral direction ZZ are both perpendicular to the mating direction XX and are perpendicular to each other, wherein the first lateral direction YY can be considered as the width direction of the plug connector 10 and the second lateral direction ZZ can be considered as the thickness direction of the plug connector 10.

[0111] The plug connector 10 may include a first conductive component 100. The first conductive component 100 may include a flexible flat cable 111, which may include a plurality of contact pads 113. When the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 20 mate, the plurality of contact pads 113 of the plug connector 10 may make one-to-one electrical contact with a plurality of terminals 400 of the receptacle connector 20 to transmit signals and / or power between the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 20. The first conductive component 100 may be held on a first housing assembly 200 of the plug connector 10. Exemplarily, the plurality of contact pads 113 may be gold fingers formed on the flexible flat cable 111. Exemplarily, the first conductive component 100 may include a plurality of terminals, each of which may be a separate metal piece, which may be respectively mounted in a corresponding mounting channel on the first housing assembly 200. Exemplarily, the first housing assembly 200 may be molded from an insulating material such as plastic. Plastics may include, but are not limited to, liquid crystal polymers (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-temperature nylon, or poly(p-phenylene oxide) (PPO) or polypropylene (PP), or other materials may be used. In some cases, the plastic may be a thermosetting plastic. In some cases, insulating plastics may contain insulating materials such as glass fiber reinforced materials.

[0112] The plug connector 10 may include a connector locking assembly (CPA) 300. In the illustrated embodiment, two sets of connector locking assemblies 300 are included. These two sets of connector locking assemblies 300 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first housing assembly 200 along a first lateral direction YY, and are structurally mirror images of each other. Therefore, for clarity and simplicity, the following detailed description uses one set of connector locking assemblies 300 as an example.

[0113] The connector locking assembly 300 may include a first component 310, a second component 320, and a third component 330. The first component 310 is in a first locking position 341 (see...). Figure 6A ) and first release position 342 (see Figure 6B The first member 310 is movable between the first housing assembly 200 and the second member 320 when in the first locked position 341. The first member 310 is also configured to disengage from the first housing assembly 200 and release the second member 320 when in the first released position 342. The second member 320 is configured to be in the second locked position locked by the first member 310 (see...). Figure 6A ) and the second release position that mates with the third member 330 (e.g., in Figure 6B The third member 330 is movable between the position where it is pressed to the right as shown in the diagram. The third member 330 is configured to be movable between a third locked position of the mating socket connector 20 and a third released position that engages with the second member 320 to release the socket connector 20.

[0114] Exemplarily, the plug connector 10 may include a first adapter portion 11 and a first tail portion 12. The first adapter portion 11 is structurally complementary to the second adapter portion 21 of the receptacle connector 20, thereby enabling the contact pad 113 to precisely align with the terminal 400 after the plug connector 10 is mated with the receptacle connector 20. A first conductive component 100 may extend from the first adapter portion 11 to the first tail portion 12. The first tail portion 12 is for mounting to an electronic device such as a circuit board, or for the first conductive component 100, such as a cable, to extend for connection to an electronic device. In the illustrated embodiment, the first adapter portion 11 and the first tail portion 12 are disposed opposite each other along a mating direction XX. In other embodiments not shown, the first adapter portion 11 and the first tail portion 12 may be perpendicular to each other or at any other suitable angle, as needed.

[0115] When the third component 330 is in the third locked position, it can lock the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 together. The third component 330 has the ability to remain in the third locked position. For example, the third component 330 can be held in the third locked position by its own biasing force or by biasing force from other components. The third component 330 can be unlocked by moving the second component 320 to the third released position, and the movement of the second component 320 is restricted by the first component 310. When the first component 310 is in the first locked position 341, the first component 310 locks the second component 320 in the second locked position, and the second component 320 in the second locked position cannot engage with the third component 330 and release the third component 330. The first component 310 can be moved to the first released position 342 based on user operation, thereby moving the second component 320 to the second released position. When it is desired to unlock the interconnected plug connector 10 and socket connector 20 (see Figure 6A When the first component 310 is moved to the first release position 342 (see...), the first component 310 is first moved to the first release position 342 (see...). Figure 6B Then, the second component 320 is moved to (e.g., pressed to the right) the second release position, so that the third component 330 is pressed against the second component 320 and moved to the third release position, thus allowing the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 to separate. This prevents the plug connector 10 from being accidentally removed from the socket connector 20 in complex environments, such as when subjected to vibration, impact, or entanglement with cables.

[0116] For example, such as Figure 2 and Figures 9A to 9B As shown, the first component 310 may include a first body 311 and a first locking portion 312 for engaging with the second component 320. The first body 311 may include a first operating portion C operable by a user. The first operating portion C is operable to move the first component 310 along a first direction between a first locking position 341 and a first releasing position 342, thereby causing the first locking portion 312 to move along the first direction. The first locking portion 312 locks the second component 320 when the first component 310 is in the first locking position 341 and releases the second component 320 when the first component 310 is in the first releasing position 342.

[0117] Figure 6A The first component 310 is shown in the first locking position 341; Figure 6B The diagram shows the first member 310 in the first release position 342, releasing the second member 320. As shown, the first direction can be parallel to the mating direction XX. Figure 6A As shown, when the first component 310 is in the first locking position 341, the first locking portion 312 on the first component 310 can abut against the second component 320 towards the outside of the first housing assembly 200, for example, against the protrusion 322 on the second component 320, thereby preventing the protrusion 322 from engaging with the third component 330, and the third component 330 can remain in its third locking position. When the first component 310 moves to the first release position 342 in the first direction under the action of the first operating part C, as... Figure 6BAs shown, the first locking portion 312 on the first member 310 is offset from the rib 322 of the second member 320. When the second member 320 is subjected to a force in a first lateral direction YY (e.g., to the right), the second member 320 can move to a second release position, thereby pressing against the third member 330, allowing the third member 330 to move to a third release position. In other words, the first locking portion 312 of the first member 310 can lock and release the second member 320 by engaging and disengaging with it. The second member 320 is in the second locked position when engaged with the first member 310 and in the second released position when engaged with the third member 330. In other embodiments, the second member 320 may not include the rib, and the first locking portion 312 of the first member 310 may also lock and unlock the second member 320 by blocking any suitable part of the second member 320.

[0118] For example, such as Figure 9A As shown, the first component 310 may further include a first intermediate portion 313, which connects the first locking portion 312 and the first body 311. The first component 310 may include a first support portion 314, and the first locking portion 312 may be a protrusion provided on the first support portion 314. The first intermediate portion 313 connects the first body 311 and the first support portion 314. A rib 322 for engaging with the first locking portion 312 of the first component 310 may be provided at the front portion 320A of the second component 320, see [reference]. Figure 10BThe rear portion 320B of the second member 320 may abut against, for example, the first housing assembly 200 and / or the first member 310. Along the mating direction XX, the front portion 320A of the second member 320 faces the receptacle connector 20, and the rear portion 320B faces away from the receptacle connector 20. Exemplarily, the first middle portion 313 of the first member 310 may abut against the rear portion 320B of the second member 320 towards the outside of the first housing assembly 200. When the first member 310 is in the first locked position 341, the first locking portion 312 of the first member 310 also abuts against the second member 320 on its inner side, thus the second member 320 is subjected to a force in the first lateral direction YY, preventing the third member 330 from moving to the third released position. When the first component 310 moves to the first release position 342 along the first direction, the first locking portion 312 and the first intermediate portion 313 of the first component 310 can release the restriction on the protruding rib 322 and the rear portion 320B of the second component 320, respectively. This allows the second component 320 to move as a whole toward the inside of the first housing assembly 200 under the force of the first lateral direction YY and to press the third component 330, causing the third component 330 to move to the third release position. Optionally, along the first lateral direction YY, the rear portion 320B of the second component 320 can also be kept substantially unchanged by the first housing assembly 200. In this case, only the front portion 320A of the second component 320 can be pressed inward to move it to the second release position.

[0119] Along the direction toward the outside of the first housing assembly 200, the second member 320 can be limited by the first housing assembly 200 to prevent the second member 320 from detaching from the first housing assembly 200. The second member 320 is limited between the first member 310 and the first housing assembly 200.

[0120] For example, the first operating part C can be held in its initial position by friction. When the first operating part C is in its initial position, the first member 310 is held in its first locking position 341. When it is necessary to move the first member 310 to its first release position 342, an external force capable of overcoming the aforementioned friction can be applied to the first operating part C along a first direction. Based on this, the first direction can be parallel to the aforementioned mating direction XX, or parallel to the first lateral direction YY, or parallel to any direction between the mating direction XX and the first lateral direction YY, as long as it allows the first locking part 312 of the first member 310 to move in a direction away from the protrusion 322 of the second member 320. When designing the value of the aforementioned friction, the working environment of the plug connector 10 needs to be considered to avoid external forces in the environment causing the first operating part C to be moved unexpectedly by overcoming the friction.

[0121] For example, the first operating part C is in the initial position along the second direction (see...) Figure 7B) and the first operating position (see Figure 7C The first operating part C is operable between the two directions. The second direction may differ from the first direction. The principle of this application will be explained below with the first direction being parallel to the mating direction XX as an example. When the first operating part C is in the initial position, the limiting part 211 on the first housing assembly 200 blocks the first operating part C along the first direction, so that the first member 310 is held in the first locking position 341. Thus, the first member 310 can be further prevented from being accidentally unlocked. See also Figure 6A and Figures 7A to 7C When the first component 310 is in the first locking position 341 and the first operating part C is not operated, a portion of the first operating part C interferes with the limiting part 211 on the first housing assembly 200, thereby being restricted to the first locking position 341. When the first operating part C is subjected to an external force along the second direction (the first lateral direction YY in the figure), the first operating part C can move toward the inside of the first housing assembly 200 to the first operating position, so that the aforementioned interfering portion of the first operating part C can avoid the first housing assembly 200.

[0122] Exemplarily, a mounting channel 206 extending along a first direction (e.g., mating direction XX) may be provided within the first housing assembly 200 (see FIG. 8). A first member 310 is movably mounted to the mounting channel 206 along the first direction between a first locked position and a first released position. The mounting channel 206 at least limits the movement of the first member 310 in the first direction. A second member 320 and a third member 330 are both mounted to the mounting channel 206. A first operating part C has an internal portion received within the mounting channel 206 and an external portion extending beyond the mounting channel 206. The external portion is accessible to a user for operation. A limiting portion 211, such as a protrusion, may be provided on the sidewall of the mounting channel 206. This limiting portion 211 can restrict the first operating part C to an initial position, such as... Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown. Optionally, the limiting part 211 can restrict the first operating part C to a first operating position. Exemplarily, the internal portion of the first operating part C, viewed from the rear, may be convex ("U"-shaped). When the first operating part C is in the first operating position, the first operating part C is released from obstruction by the limiting part 211, allowing it to move to the section of the mounting channel 206 where the limiting part 211 is located, see reference. Figure 7C Therefore, the first component 310 can be moved to the first release position 342 along a first direction (e.g., the mating direction XX). A first protrusion 2025 can be provided on the side wall of the mounting channel 206, and a second protrusion 314A is provided on the first component 310. When the first component 310 is in the first release position 342, the first protrusion 2025 and the second protrusion 314A abut against each other, see [reference]. Figures 8A to 8B and Figures 9A to 9BThe width of the first support portion 314 can be greater than the width of the first intermediate portion 313, thereby forming the second protrusion 314A. The first protrusion 2025 can be formed by the rear housing 202 protruding into the mounting channel 206.

[0123] For example, the limiting portion 211 may include a short protrusion along a first direction (e.g., the mating direction XX). During the movement of the first member 310 to the first release position 342, the first operating portion C may pass over the limiting portion 211. When the force acting on the first operating portion C disappears, the first operating portion C may return to its initial position under its own elasticity or an external elasticity. Thus, the first operating portion C may be restricted by the limiting portion 211, causing the first member 310 to remain in the first release position 342, unless the first operating portion C is operated again to allow it to pass over the limiting portion 211 again in a direction opposite to the unlocking direction and return to the first locking position 341.

[0124] For example, the limiting portion 211 may extend a considerable length along a first direction (e.g., the mating direction XX). When the first operating portion C is in its initial state, it abuts against the end 2111 of the limiting portion 211, such as... Figure 7AAs shown, when the first operating part C is in the first operating position, it passes over the end 2111 of the limiting part 211 and slides along the limiting part 211, so that the first member 310 moves to the first release position 342. Exemplarily, the length of the limiting part 211 along the engagement direction XX can be no less than the distance between the first locking position 341 and the first release position 342. The limiting part 211 can be elongated. During the process of unlocking the first member 310, for example, along the pull-out direction in the engagement direction XX, i.e., moving the first member 310 from the first locking position 341 to the first release position 342, the first operating part C first passes over the end 2111 of the limiting part 211, and then slides against the surface of the limiting part 211, so that when the first member 310 is in the first release position 342, the first operating part C remains in the first operating position. In this way, during the restoration of the plug connector 10, the user can directly push the first member 310 along the insertion direction in the mating direction XX, returning it from the first release position 342 to the first locking position 341, without needing to apply pressure to the first operating part C again. In an embodiment not shown, the width of the limiting part can gradually decrease along the direction of unlocking the first member 310, making the surface of the limiting part that slides against the first operating part C a slope. When the first member 310 is in the first release position 342, the first operating part C can be in any position between the initial position and the first operating position, and the first operating part C can rest on the smaller end of the limiting part. When the first member 310 moves from the first release position 342 to the first locking position 341, the slope of the limiting part can guide the first operating part C. When the first operating part C moves to the larger end of the limiting part, the first operating part C is in the first operating position, and after passing the larger end of the limiting part, it is re-limited to the first locking position 341. In summary, by reasonably setting the limit part 211, the operation of plugging and unplugging the plug connector 10 can be simplified, and the user experience can be improved.

[0125] Optionally, the first housing assembly 200 may also be provided with other limiting parts to limit the first component 310 when the first component 310 moves to the first release position 342, so as to prevent the user from pulling the first component 310 off the first housing assembly 200 with excessive force.

[0126] Exemplarily, the first operating part C may include a cantilever 3111 and a pair of wings 3112. The pair of wings 3112 protrude outwards from both sides of the free end of the cantilever 3111. Limiting parts 211 are arranged in pairs to block the pair of wings 3112 respectively along a first direction. (Refer to reference) Figure 9A and Figure 9BIn the embodiment shown in the figure, the cantilever 3111 can be integrally molded onto the first component 310. In this case, the first component 310 can be molded from an insulating material such as plastic. The plastic can include, but is not limited to, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-temperature nylon, or poly(p-phenylene oxide) (PPO) or polypropylene (PP), or other materials may be used. In some cases, the plastic can be a thermosetting plastic. In some cases, the plastic can contain materials such as glass fiber reinforced materials. In some embodiments, the cantilever 3111 may not be integrally molded with the first component 310, and can be connected to other parts of the first component 310 by secondary molding, bonding, or other methods. A pair of wings 3112 can be opposite each other in a second lateral direction ZZ. The pair of wings 3112 can cooperate with a pair of limiting portions 211 of the first housing assembly 200. (Referring to reference...) Figures 6A to 6B ,as well as Figures 7A to 7C When the first component 310 is in the first locking position 341, the pair of wings 3112 are respectively blocked by their corresponding limiting portions 211. Exemplarily, to prevent the wings 3112 from breaking, a reinforcing rib 3118 (e.g., ...) can be provided at the connection between the cantilever 3111 and the wings 3112. Figure 9B (As shown). The cantilever 3111 has a certain degree of elasticity, and its free end can move slightly to drive the wing 3112 to move in the first lateral direction YY. When subjected to a force along the first lateral direction YY, the wing 3112 can move toward the interior of the first housing assembly 200 to avoid the limiting part 211; when the force acting on the first operating part C disappears, the wing 3112 returns to its initial position under the elastic force of the cantilever 3111. Of course, after an external force is applied to the free end of the cantilever 3111, it can also return to its initial position by relying on an external elastic element. The first operating part C in the form of the cantilever 3111 has the advantages of simple structure and convenient processing. By setting a pair of limiting parts 211 to cooperate with a pair of wings 3112, the force on each wing 3112 can be distributed. Therefore, the first component 310 is not easily damaged when it is restricted to its first locking position. For example, even if the first component 310 is accidentally pulled when the first operating part C has not reached the first operating position, the wing 3112 will not break.

[0127] For example, the outer surface of the first operating part C has a protrusion 3113 that protrudes beyond the outer surface of the first body 311. A protruding protective part 3114 is provided on the outer surface of the first body 311, and the protective part 3114 is disposed around the protrusion 3113. (Continuing to refer to...) Figure 2 , Figures 7A to 7C It is understandable that during the operation of the first operating part C, the user needs to press the free end of the cantilever 3111 of the first operating part C, so as to move the first operating part C to the first operating position with a small force (see...). Figure 7C To facilitate user operation, the protrusion 3113 can be located at the free end of the cantilever 3111, thereby facilitating user pressing. In other embodiments, the protrusion 3113 can also be located at other positions near the free end of the cantilever 3111. Figure 2 As shown, to prevent the cantilever 3111 and protrusion 3113 from breaking due to external force during use, a protective part 3114 can be provided. The protective part 3114 may include a structure similar in shape to the protrusion 3113. When the plug connector 10 is impacted, the protective part 3114 can, to a certain extent, prevent the protrusion 3113 and cantilever 3111 from being impacted. During user operation, the protective part 3114 can also prevent the user from further pressing down on the protrusion 3113 when the first operating part C reaches the first operating position, preventing friction between the first operating part C and the first housing assembly 200, or excessive bending of the cantilever 3111 leading to breakage. The protective part 3114 can also, to a certain extent, prevent the free end of the cantilever 3111 from being accidentally operated.

[0128] For example, in conjunction with the reference Figure 4 , Figure 10A , Figure 10B and Figure 11A The third member 330 may further include a protruding third limiting portion 336, which abuts against the second member 320 in the pull-out direction of the plug connector 10 from the socket connector 20 to prevent the third member 330 from retracting into the first housing assembly 200. Exemplarily, the third limiting portion 336 may be disposed on opposite sides of the third member 330 in the second lateral direction ZZ. A rib 322 may be connected between a pair of side plates 324, and the side plates 324 may protrude beyond the rib 322 in the direction toward the interior of the first housing assembly 200. The third member 330 may be located between the pair of side plates 324, thereby limiting the third member 330 in the second lateral direction ZZ. Additionally, the third limiting portion 336 may also abut against the pair of side plates 324 in the pull-out direction of the plug connector 10. In this way, during the process of inserting the plug connector 10 into the socket connector 20, the third component 330 can be prevented from being retracted into the first housing assembly 200 in the opposite direction of mating due to friction, which would prevent the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 from being reliably locked.

[0129] For example, along the mating direction XX, the third member 330 can be secured in place by the second member 320 and the first housing assembly 200. (Refer to reference...) Figure 1 and Figure 11AThe third component 330 may include a third locking portion 331 and a third tail portion 333. The third locking portion 331 and the third tail portion 333 are located at opposite ends of the third component 330, respectively. The third locking portion 331 can lock and release the receptacle connector 20. Exemplarily, the third locking portion 331 may include a barb 3311. The third locking portion 331 may be biased outward so that the barb 3311 on the third locking portion 331 can engage with the connector locking adapter 610 of the receptacle connector 20. During the insertion of the plug connector 10 into the receptacle connector 20, the barb 3311 may slide along the inner surface of the receptacle connector 20. After the plug connector 10 is inserted into place, the barb 3311 may engage with the connector locking adapter 610 of the receptacle connector 20 to prevent the plug connector 10 and the receptacle connector 20 from accidentally disengaging. When the third locking part 331 is pressed toward the first housing assembly 200, the barb 3311 separates from the connector locking adapter part 610 of the socket connector 20, thereby allowing the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 to be separated from each other.

[0130] The third member 330 may further include a third intermediate portion 332 connected between the third locking portion 331 and the third tail portion 333. The width of the third intermediate portion 332 is smaller than the width of the third locking portion 331, thus forming the aforementioned step 335 between them. Furthermore, the width of the third intermediate portion 332 is smaller than the width of at least a portion of the third tail portion 333. As will be described later, this at least portion of the third tail portion 333 can limit the third member 330 in the direction toward the socket connector 20. The step 335, which limits the third member 330 in the direction away from the socket connector 20, allows the third member 330 to be held on the first housing assembly 200. Return to Reference Figure 9A and Figure 9B A gap 3131 may be provided on the first intermediate portion 313 of the first member 310, and the third intermediate portion 332 may pass through the gap 3131. The first locking portion 312 of the first member 310 is expected to engage with the second member 320 from the inside out of the third member 330, such as... Figure 6AAs shown, the first support portion 314, where the first locking portion 312 is located, is situated inside the third member 330. The first body 311 of the first member 310 includes a first operating portion C that requires user operation. The first body 311 is preferably located on the outer surface of the first housing assembly 200, therefore, the first body 311 is located outside the third member 330. Based on this, the first member 310 and the third member 330 can be arranged intersectingly, such that the third member 330 passes through the gap 3131 on the first member 310. For example, the width of the third intermediate portion 332 can be adapted to the width of the gap 3131, so that the first intermediate portion 313 can also limit the third member 330 along the second lateral direction ZZ. For example, the width of the third intermediate portion 332 of the third member 330 can be slightly smaller than the gap 3131 of the first intermediate portion 313. The width of at least a portion of the third locking portion 331 and the third tail portion 333 of the third component 330 can be greater than the width of the third intermediate portion 332 and also greater than the width of the gap 3131 of the first intermediate portion 313. Thus, the third component 330 can be installed on the first intermediate portion 313 through the gap 3131.

[0131] Exemplarily, the first intermediate portion 313 may include a pair of beams, each beam having its two ends connected to the first locking portion 312 and the first body 311, respectively. The pair of beams are spaced apart along a second lateral direction ZZ perpendicular to the mating direction XX to form a gap 3131. In this case, the rear portion 320B of the second member 320 may be provided with a partition 323. This partition 323 may create a pair of gaps between itself and the pair of side plates 324. These gaps are located on both sides of the partition 323, as shown below. Figure 10B As shown, a pair of beams in the first intermediate part 313 can be inserted into the gaps respectively. Also, the first component 310 and the second component 320 can guide each other to ensure precise alignment.

[0132] Exemplarily, the gap 3131 may extend to the first support 314 to lengthen the gap 3131. Preferably, the gap 3131 may not extend to the first body 311 to ensure the integrity of the first body 311 connected to the outer surface of the first housing assembly 200. The longer gap 3131 allows the wider third locking portion 331 and / or third tail portion 333 of the third member 330 to pass through, such that before the third member 330 and the first member 310 are installed onto the first housing assembly 200, the third member 330 can be held upright through the gap 3131 and then rotated 90 degrees relative to the first member 310 to form a cross-mounted configuration. Regardless of whether the gap 3131 extends to the first support 314, the front portion of the first support 314 is continuous, such that the first locking portion 312 can be provided on the front portion of the first support 314. The first locking portion 312 passes through the third opening 334 on the third member 330 to lock the second member 320. For the third component 330, the third opening 334 being located in its middle can ensure its mechanical strength. Therefore, it is desirable for the first locking part 312 to be located on the continuous front part of the first support part 314 so as to be aligned with the third opening 334 in position.

[0133] For example, the third component 330 can be made of a metal sheet. Thus, the third component 330 can be made thinner to provide sufficient mechanical strength and a degree of elasticity. This elasticity allows the third component 330 to deform between the third locked position and the third released position. Preferably, the third component 330 can have a relatively flat shape without significant bends or protrusions. This allows it to pass through the gap 3131 of the first intermediate portion 313; and it can reduce the size of the plug connector 10 along the first lateral direction YY. In contrast, the structure of the first component 310 is relatively complex, and it is preferably formed by injection molding to ensure precision and reduce costs.

[0134] Exemplarily, the second member 320 may be configured to be pressable into the first housing assembly 200 to a second release position. Both the second member 320 and the first body 311 of the first member 310 are components to be operated by the user to trigger the third member 330, the portion of the third member 330 with barbs 3311 being exposed to extend into and lock the receptacle connector 20. As previously described, the first locking portion 312 is also located inside the second member 320, such that when the first member 310 is in the first locked position 341, the first locking portion 312 abuts against the second member 320 towards the outside of the first housing assembly 200 to hold the second member 320 in the second locked position. For the plug connector 10, unlocking by pressing conforms to the usage habits of most users, as pressing allows direct force to be applied along the mating direction XX to separate the two connectors. Therefore, preferably, the second member 320 is designed to reach the second release position when subjected to a force pressing into the first housing assembly 200. The first component 310 can abut against the second component 320 through the first locking part 312, so that the second component 320 cannot be pressed into the second release position when the first component 310 has not reached the first release position 342. When the second component 320 is pressed, the pressure on the first locking part 312 can also be transmitted to the first housing assembly 200, thereby avoiding damage to the first component 310 when the pressing force is too large.

[0135] As can be seen from the above description, the advantage of having the first direction parallel to the mating direction XX is that it allows the first housing assembly 200 to provide space for the first component 310 to move along the length of the mating direction XX, while the space in the first lateral direction YY is reserved for the operation of the second component 320. Pressing the second component 320 along the first lateral direction YY to unlock the socket connector 20 is more in line with user habits. Users can easily unplug the plug connector 10 while pressing the second component 320, making the operation more convenient.

[0136] For example, continue to refer to Figure 6A and Figure 6BThe third opening 334 on the third member 330 can extend along a first direction (e.g., the mating direction XX), and the first locking part 312 passes through the third opening 334 to engage with the second member 320. When the first member 310 moves between the first locking position 341 and the first releasing position 342, the first locking part 312 slides along the third opening 334. When the second member 320 is in the second releasing position, it can apply pressure to the third member 330, allowing the third member 330 to reach the third releasing position. Therefore, the first locking part 312 needs to prevent the second member 320 from applying inward pressure to the third member 330 when the first member 310 is in the first locking position 341. At the same time, the first locking part 312 also needs to allow the second member 320 to apply pressure to the third member 330 when the first member 310 is in the first releasing position 342, allowing the third member 330 to move to the third releasing position. As shown in the figure, exemplarily, the first locking part 312 can abut against the second member 320 when the first member 310 is in the first locked position 341, and the first locking part 312 can no longer abut against the second member 320 when the first member 310 is in the first released position 342; at the same time, the first locking part 312 does not contact the third member 330, thereby not restricting the movement of the third member 330. A more preferred solution is to provide a third opening 334 on the third member 330, through which the third member 330 avoids the first locking part 312. In this way, the third member 330 will not interfere with the first member 310, thereby not affecting the operation of the second member 320 on the third member 330. When the first member 310 is in the first locked position 341, the second member 320 can press against the first locking part 312, thus preventing the third member 330 from unlocking.

[0137] Specifically, in one exemplary embodiment, the first locking portion 312 may protrude through the third opening 334 onto the outer surface of the third member 330. When the first member 310 is in the first locked position 341 and the second member 320 is pressed, the first locking portion 312 can prevent the second member 320 from contacting the third member 330. In another exemplary embodiment, the protruding end of the first locking portion 312 may be flush with the outer surface of the third member 330. When the first member 310 is in the first locked position 341 and the second member 320 is pressed, although the second member 320 contacts the third member 330, the third member 330 will not move, or the movement distance is insufficient to unlock the third locking portion 331. In summary, by abutting against the second member 320, the first locking portion 312 prevents the third locking portion 331 from unlocking when the first member 310 is in the first locked position 341 and the second member 320 is pressed, thus preventing accidental separation of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20.

[0138] For example, such as Figures 9A to 9B As shown, the first body 311 may further include a first sidewall 3115. A first operating part C may be disposed on the first sidewall 3115. Exemplarily, a first opening 3115A may be provided on the first sidewall 3115. The first operating part C is connected to the edge of the first opening 3115A. One end of the first operating part C in the form of a cantilever 3111 may be connected to the edge of the first opening 3115A, and the other end of the cantilever 3111 is a free end. The free end of the cantilever 3111 extends toward the edge opposite to the first opening 3115A. A protrusion 3113 on the cantilever 3111 may protrude outward from the first opening 3115A in a direction toward the outside of the first housing assembly 200, and a wing 3112 on the cantilever 3111 may protrude inward from the first opening 3115A toward the inside of the first housing assembly 200. The first body 311 may further include a second sidewall 3116 and a third sidewall 3117, which are disposed opposite each other on both sides of the first sidewall 3115 along a direction perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., the mating direction XX). Thus, the first body 311 can surround the first housing assembly 200 from three sides, thereby improving the connection strength. A first engaging portion 3116A and a second engaging portion 3117A are respectively provided on the second sidewall 3116 and the third sidewall 3117. The first engaging portion 3116A and the second engaging portion 3117A are slidably connected to the first housing assembly 200 along the mating direction XX. The first engaging portion 3116A and the second engaging portion 3117A engage with the first housing assembly 200 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. (Refer to reference) Figures 7A to 7C and Figures 9A to 9BThe second sidewall 3116 and the third sidewall 3117 can be substantially flush with the outer surface of the first housing assembly 200, making the plug connector 10 more flat. The first engaging portion 3116A and the second engaging portion 3117A can be latches that extend along the mating direction XX and bend toward each other. The first housing assembly 200 has a first side surface 2021 and a second side surface 2022 that are opposite each other along the second lateral direction ZZ, and a third side surface 2023 and a fourth side surface 2024 that are opposite each other along the first lateral direction YY. A first slot 204 and a second slot 205 can be provided on the first side surface 2021 and the second side surface 2022, respectively. The first slot 204 and the second slot 205 extend along the mating direction XX and engage with the first engaging portion 3116A and the second engaging portion 3117A, respectively. The latch and slot engagement not only allows the first member 310 to be installed onto the first housing assembly 200, but also allows the first member 310 to slide along the mating direction XX on the first housing assembly 200. Exemplarily, the first component 310 can be snapped into the first housing assembly 200 along a first lateral direction YY. To facilitate the installation of the first component 310, for the upper portion of the posture shown in FIG8, the portion of the first side surface 2021 located between the third side surface 2023 and the first slot 204 can extend obliquely; similarly, the portion of the second side surface 2022 located between the third side surface 2023 and the first slot 204 can extend obliquely. Thus, when the first component 310 is installed along the first lateral direction YY, the first engaging portion 3116A and the second engaging portion 3117A of the first component 310 can slide along the oblique surfaces of the first side surface 2021 and the second side surface 2022, respectively, and the oblique surfaces guide the deformation of the second side wall 3116 and the third side wall 3117. After the first engaging portion 3116A and the second engaging portion 3117A are respectively engaged into the first slot 204 and the second slot 205, the second side wall 3116 and the third side wall 3117 return to their original positions. Therefore, the first component 310 can only move along the mating direction XX. It should be noted that before the first component 310 is installed into the first housing assembly 200, the wing portion 3112 and the limiting portion 211 of the first component 310 are offset along the mating direction XX to prevent external forces from damaging the wing portion 3112 and the limiting portion 211.

[0139] like Figure 10BAs shown, the first housing assembly 200 may include a front housing 201 and a rear housing 202. In this embodiment, the first member 310 is connected to the rear housing 202, so the aforementioned first slot 204 and second slot 205 can be disposed on the rear housing 202. Alternatively, the first slot 204 and second slot 205 may also extend to the front housing 201 to increase the sliding range of the first member 310. The front housing 201 is closer to the socket connector 20 than the rear housing 202. The first adapter portion 11 is formed by the front housing 201, and the first tail portion 12 is formed by the rear housing 202. A plurality of contact pads 113 extend into the front housing 201. Alternatively, the first housing assembly 200 may also be a single piece.

[0140] For example, along the mating direction XX of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20, the second member 320 is confined between the first housing assembly 200 (e.g., the front housing 201) and the first member 310, or between the front housing 201 and the rear housing 202, or a combination of both. Referring to Figure 8 and... Figures 10A to 10B The second component 320 may have protrusions 321 on its pair of side plates 324, and the front housing 201 may have a blocking member 208. For example, the blocking member 208 may be L-shaped. When the second component 320 can be installed from the rear onto the front housing 201, the L-shaped blocking member 208 includes a first side generally parallel to the mating direction XX and a second side generally perpendicular to the first side. The second side can block the protrusions 321 of the second component 320, preventing the second component 320 from falling off from the front of the plug connector 10 along the mating direction XX. When the first component 310 is in the first locked position 341, the rear end of the second component 320 can abut against the first middle portion 313 or the first body 311 of the first component 310, or against the rear housing 202, thereby preventing the second component 320 from moving in the mating direction XX.

[0141] For example, the second member 320 is constrained between the first housing assembly 200 and the first member 310 along a first lateral direction YY perpendicular to the mating direction XX. An L-shaped stop 208 can be closed to form a cavity 209, in which the boss 321 of the second member 320 is embedded. Thus, the stop 208 can restrict the range of motion of the second member 320 along the first lateral direction YY, preventing the second member 320 from falling off the first housing assembly 200.

[0142] Since the plug connector 10 needs to mate with the socket connector 20 along the mating direction XX, for plug connectors 10 that are not right-angle connectors, the second component 320 that needs to be operated can be placed in the lateral direction to avoid structural interference or contradictions with the mating of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 during operation. For example, for plug connectors 10 using cables such as flexible flat cables (FFC) 111, the size of the plug connector 10 in the second lateral direction ZZ is generally smaller than that in the first lateral direction YY. Therefore, placing the second component 320 between the first housing assembly 200 and the first component 310 along the first lateral direction YY can effectively utilize the internal space of the plug connector 10 and simplify the design.

[0143] The assembly of the third component 330 will now be described. For example, as shown... Figures 11A to 11C As shown, the third tail 333 and the third locking part 331 of the third component 330 are disposed opposite each other at both ends of the third component 330 along the mating direction XX. As previously described, the third tail 333 and the third locking part 331 are connected together by the third intermediate part 332, making the third component 330 generally elongated. The third tail 333 can be fixed to the first housing assembly 200. The elongated shape helps to improve the elasticity of the end where the third locking part 331 is located, thereby facilitating the movement of the third locking part 331 along the first lateral direction YY to lock and unlock the socket connector 20. However, the elongated shape may cause the third component 330 to sway along the second lateral direction ZZ. Therefore, the third intermediate part 332 is designed to pass through the gap 3131 on the first component 310, which can limit the middle part of the third component 330 along the second lateral direction ZZ, thereby ensuring that the third locking part 331 can be aligned and locked with the connector locking adapter on the socket connector 20.

[0144] Exemplarily, the third tail portion 333 not only secures the third member 330 to the first housing assembly 200, but also biases the third locking portion 331 toward the locking socket connector 20. Specifically, the third tail portion 333 includes a connecting segment 3331, an intermediate segment 3332, and an end portion 3333 connected sequentially along the mating direction XX. The connecting segment 3331 can be connected to the third locking portion 331 via the third intermediate portion 332. The intermediate segment 3332 can be oriented toward the inside of the first housing assembly 200 (within... Figures 11B to 11C The end 3333 bends downwards and abuts against the first housing assembly 200. The end 3333 abuts against the outside (upwards) of the first housing assembly 200. A fulcrum 207 may be provided on the first housing assembly 200. The fulcrum 207 is, for example, a protrusion provided within a channel 206 within the first housing assembly 200, see [reference needed]. Figure 7ASee Figure 8. The fulcrum 207 can bias the connecting segment 3331 of the third tail 333 towards the outside of the first housing assembly 200. (Refer to reference...) Figures 11A to 11C As described above, the third component 330 can have a certain elasticity, and can be fixed by aligning with the third tail 333 of the third component 330, and a force is applied to it to bias the third locking portion 331 outward. This allows the third component 330 to be held in the third locked position by its own elasticity, and when the second component 320 applies an inward force to it, the third component 330 can also move from the third locked position to the third released position, thereby realizing the locking and unlocking of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20. The connecting section 3331 of the third tail 333 abuts against the fulcrum 207 of the first housing assembly 200. When the middle section 3332 and the end 3333 of the third tail 333 are subjected to an inward biasing force, the third locking portion 331 of the third component 330 will be biased outward due to the lever structure. Furthermore, the intermediate section 3332 bends inward into the first housing assembly 200 and abuts against the fulcrum 207. When the third member 330 is subjected to a pulling force toward the socket connector 20, the intermediate section 3332 can be locked onto the fulcrum 207, preventing the third member 330 from being pulled out, thereby causing loosening or separation between the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20. Further, the first housing assembly 200 presses the intermediate section 3332 and the connecting section 3331 outward, while simultaneously pressing the end 3333 of the third tail 333 inward, which also secures the third tail 333 of the third member 330 to the first housing assembly 200.

[0145] For example, third wings 3333A may be provided on both sides of the end 3333 of the third tail portion 333. Along the insertion direction from the plug connector 10 to the socket connector 20, the third wings 3333A abut against the first housing assembly 200. The third wings 3333A may protrude beyond other parts of the third tail portion 333 in the second lateral direction ZZ. A pair of stops 2013 may be provided within the first housing assembly 200. The pair of stops 2013 may respectively limit the pair of third wings 3333A, preventing the third member 330 from disengaging from the first housing assembly 200.

[0146] Exemplarily, in the case where the first housing assembly 200 includes a front housing 201 and a rear housing 202, a first member 310 is mounted to the rear housing 202 and extends into the front housing 201. A second member 320 is mounted between the front housing 201 and the portion of the first member 310 extending into the front housing 201, and a third member 330 is mounted to the rear housing 202 and extends into the front housing 201. (Refer to reference) Figure 5As described above, the first component 310 is installed to the first housing assembly 200 from the first lateral direction YY, while the third component 330 needs to pass through the gap of the first intermediate portion 313 and be installed to the first housing assembly 200, such that the third wing 3333A of the third tail portion 333 is engaged with the first housing assembly 200, and the connecting section 3331 of the third tail portion 333 abuts against the first housing assembly 200. If a one-piece first housing assembly 200 is used, the installation of the first component 310, the second component 320, and the third component 330 will be very difficult. Therefore, the first housing assembly 200 can be split into a front housing 201 and a rear housing 202, which can be injection molded separately, reducing the difficulty of demolding. After the first component 310, the second component 320, and the third component 330 are respectively installed onto the front housing 201 and the rear housing 202, the front housing 201 and the rear housing 202 can be joined together. This ensures that the first component 310, the second component 320, and the third component 330 will not detach from the first housing assembly 200 without the front housing 201 and the rear housing 202 being assembled together. Specifically, the second component 320 is restrained by the first housing assembly 200, thus preventing it from detaching. The second component 320 is installed from the rear of the front housing 201, and then the front housing 201 and the rear housing 202 are assembled together. The rear housing 202 can restrain the second component 320. This structure is relatively simple and has a low cost.

[0147] The first conductive component 100 can be fixed to the first housing component 200 by the terminal locking component 350, see [reference]. Figure 5 and Figure 13 After the first conductive component 100 is inserted into the first housing assembly 200, the terminal locking assembly 350 can be installed into the first housing assembly 200. The terminal locking assembly 350 may include a first locking member 351. The first locking member 351 has a first locked position and a first unlocked position. When the first locking member 351 is in the first locked position, the first conductive component 100 is clamped between the first housing assembly 200 and the first locking member 351. When the first locking member 351 is in the first unlocked position, the first conductive component 100 is detachable from the first housing assembly 200. For example, a stress relief component 3511 may be fixed to the first locking member 351. When the first locking member 351 is in the first locked position, the stress relief component 3511 may be clamped between the first conductive component 100 and the first locking member 351.

[0148] As described above, exemplarily, the plug connector 10 can be a cable connector. For example... Figure 12As shown, the first conductive component 100 may include at least one flexible flat cable (FFC) 111. Each flexible flat cable 111 may include a mating contact end, a mounting end, and a mid-section. For each flexible flat cable 111, as... Figure 12 As shown, the cable may include multiple conductors and insulating layers covering the upper and lower sides of these conductors. The insulating layers typically possess good flexibility, insulation properties, and high tensile strength. At the ends of the flexible flat cable 111, the side insulation layer (e.g., the upper insulation layer in the figure) is removed, or a shorter upper insulation layer is selected during the manufacture of the flexible flat cable 111 to expose the ends of the multiple conductors, thereby forming multiple contact pads 113. The ends where the multiple contact pads 113 are located can be referred to as mating contact ends 111A. The mating contact ends 111A may extend into the first housing assembly 200. Figure 4 As shown, the first housing assembly 200 may include a slot 212. The slot 212 is for receiving a mating receptacle connector 20. The slot 212 may extend along a first lateral direction YY. A mating contact end 111A may extend into the slot 212. Alternatively, the slot 212 may not be provided, and the mating contact end 111A may simply be inserted into the receptacle connector 20. The other end of the flexible flat cable 111 can be mounted to any suitable electrical component, such as a circuit board, electronic device, or another electrical connector; this other end is referred to as the mounting end 111B. See [reference needed]. Figure 1 The mounting end 111B is located outside the first housing assembly 200. The mounting end 111B and the mating contact end 111A may have similar constructions. The intermediate section 111C connects the mating contact end 111A and the mounting end 111B.

[0149] The mating contact ends 111A of all flexible flat cables 111 form a whole having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface and the second surface are opposite each other along a second lateral direction ZZ. Each of the first surface and the second surface includes a plurality of contact pads 113. The contact pads 113 on each surface can be arranged in a row along the second lateral direction ZZ. The plurality of contact pads 113 are electrically connected to the second terminals 400 on the socket connector 20, respectively. Thus, a high-density cable connector can be provided. Exemplarily, the insulating layers on both sides of the mating contact ends 111A of each flexible flat cable 111 can be removed to form the first surface and the second surface. If there are multiple flexible flat cables 111, they can be arranged along the first lateral direction YY.

[0150] Exemplarily, the connector may include a first flexible flat cable and a second flexible flat cable. The first and second flexible flat cables may be stacked ZZ-aligned along a second lateral direction. The aforementioned first surface may be formed by the mating contact end of the first flexible flat cable, and based on this, the mating contact end of the first flexible flat cable also has a third surface, the third surface and the first surface being opposite each other along the second lateral direction. The aforementioned second surface may be formed by the mating contact end of the second flexible flat cable, and based on this, the mating contact end of the second flexible flat cable also has a fourth surface, the fourth surface and the second surface being opposite each other along the second lateral direction. Thus, the third and fourth surfaces are disposed opposite each other and abut against the first housing assembly 200. The insulating layer of the third and fourth surfaces may not be removed and is adhered to a supporting tape 112 to enhance the mechanical strength of the mating contact end 111A. Exemplarily, the third and fourth surfaces are respectively adhered to their respective supporting tapes 112. Each supporting tape 112 is fixed to the first housing assembly 200. Along the length of the flexible flat cable 111, it is not desirable for all conductors of the flexible flat cable 111 connected to the reinforcing plate 112 to be exposed on one side. The exposed portion is mainly for electrical connection with the matching socket connector 20. Therefore, after providing a sufficiently long electrical contact portion, the upper insulation layer of the remaining portion can be retained to increase the mechanical strength of the first conductive component 100 and extend its service life. Optionally, multiple contact pads 113 can also be formed on the reinforcing plate 112 by printing, engraving, or other methods, and the flexible flat cable 111 is electrically connected to the contact pads 113 accordingly. The reinforcing plate 112 can have high structural strength and can fix the flexible flat cable 111 when installed to the plug connector 10.

[0151] When multiple first flexible flat cables and multiple second flexible flat cables exist, the multiple first flexible flat cables can be arranged along a first lateral direction YY, and similarly, the multiple second flexible flat cables can also be arranged along the first lateral direction YY. Of course, it is also possible to have only one first flexible flat cable and one second flexible flat cable.

[0152] like Figure 5As shown, a guide groove 203 may be provided on the first housing assembly 200. The guide groove 203 is used to limit and guide the reinforcing plate 112 on the mating contact end 111A, thereby preventing misalignment between the mating contact end 111A and the first housing assembly 200. The reinforcing plate 112 can be inserted into the appropriate position of the plug connector 10 under the limitation of the guide groove 203. Then, the first conductive component 100 is fixed to the first housing assembly 200 by the terminal locking assembly 350. The first conductive component 100 is detachably connected to the plug connector 10. Taking the first conductive component 100 using a flexible flat cable 111 as an example, the flexible flat cable 111 may break or be damaged, resulting in interruption of the line connection. Or the contact plate 113 may corrode, become contaminated, or wear during long-term use, resulting in poor contact. In short, when the first conductive component 100 has a problem that causes the plug connector 10 to be unable to continue to be used normally, it is more cost-effective to replace only the first conductive component 100 than to replace the entire plug connector 10. Using the first locking member 351 to clamp the first conductive component 100 can simplify the assembly process and make the structure simpler, thereby reducing the difficulty of design and assembly.

[0153] For example, the first locking member 351 is detachably connected to the first housing assembly 200 between a first locked position and a first unlocked position. Figures 13 to 15B As shown, exemplarily, when the first locking member 351 is installed in the first locking position, it can compress the stress-relieving member 3511, thereby applying a force to the first conductive component 100 in the direction of the first housing assembly 200. This allows the flexible portion of the first conductive component 100, such as the intermediate section 111C, to be pressed against the first housing assembly 200. Both the first locking member 351 and the first housing assembly 200 are made of rigid materials. The stress-relieving member 3511 can eliminate stress concentration caused by the compression of the intermediate section 111C by the first locking member 351 and the first housing assembly 200, and can adjust the stress value to a certain extent to avoid excessive stress that could damage the flexible flat cable 111. Compared to the mating contact end 111A, the intermediate section 111C of the flexible flat cable 111 can withstand greater tensile force. Figure 14B As shown, the stress-relieving member 3511 and the first housing assembly 200 (e.g., the rear housing 202) clamp the first conductive component 100 from opposite directions (e.g., the second lateral direction ZZ); for example, clamping the middle section 111C, thereby increasing the friction between the first conductive component 100 and the stress-relieving member 3511, between the first conductive component 100 and the first housing assembly 200, and between the first conductive component 100, making it less likely to move under pulling force (a force consistent with the pull-out direction of the plug connector 10). Optionally, as Figure 14AAs shown, the portion of the intermediate section 111C between the first locking member 351 and the contact plate 113 can be bent. For example, the mating contact end 111A is bent under the pressure of the first locking member 351. This increases the friction between the flexible flat cable 111 and the first locking member 351, as well as between the flexible flat cable 111 and the first housing assembly 200. Moreover, when the flexible flat cable 111 is under tension, the tension is less likely to be transmitted to the mating contact end 111A, thereby ensuring a good electrical connection between the contact plate 113 and the socket connector 20. Furthermore, the first locking member 351 biases the intermediate section 111C to one side along, for example, a second lateral direction ZZ, see [reference needed]. Figure 14A This causes the intermediate section 111C to be offset relative to the mating contact end 111A towards the first housing assembly 200. This also provides sufficient space within the first housing assembly 200, on the other side of the first housing assembly 200 (above the intermediate section 111C in the figure), to accommodate the larger first locking member 351 and stress-relieving member 3511. The larger first locking member 351 facilitates its installation and removal, and can be equipped with a more mechanically strong and elastic latch (described below), thus ensuring reliable installation into the first housing assembly 200 while also facilitating disassembly and installation. The larger stress-relieving member 3511 means that stress can be adjusted over a wider range and that it can also have a longer service life.

[0154] The first locking member 351 can be directly inserted into the first housing assembly 200 to reach the first locked position; and can reach the first unlocked position by partially or completely separating from the first housing assembly 200. In other embodiments, the first locking member 351 can also be connected to the first housing assembly 200 and move between the first locked position and the first unlocked position by pivoting on a pivot axis, thereby locking and releasing the first conductive component 100. Of course, this application does not exclude embodiments in which the first conductive component 100 is a rigid structure without flexible parts.

[0155] For example, the first locking member 351 may include an elastic snap 3512 that mates with the first housing assembly 200. The elastic snap 3512 can be disengaged from the first housing assembly 200 by the action of a tool. The elastic snap 3512 can be integrally formed with the first locking member 351 without the need for additional structures on the first locking member 351, thereby allowing the first locking member 351 to be installed on the first housing assembly 200 at a lower cost. Since the first conductive component 100 is only removed from the plug connector 10 when replacement or maintenance is required, rather than requiring frequent plugging and unplugging as when the plug connector 10 is connected to the socket connector 20, the first locking member 351 can be disassembled using a tool. The disassembly operation is simple, involves fewer parts, and avoids the possibility of losing screws during disassembly, resulting in a better user experience. Compared to latches that use an interference fit, the elastic latch 3512, which requires a tool to disengage, requires a significant external force to break it apart from the first housing assembly 200 unless the tool deforms it. Therefore, the elastic latch 3512 can be held more reliably on the first housing assembly 200, preventing the flexible flat cable 111 from straightening and breaking open the first locking member 351 due to excessive tension.

[0156] For example, the first locking member 351 can fix the first conductive component 100 to the first housing assembly 200 by clamping or pressing. To prevent the first conductive component 100 from being subjected to large forces applied by the first locking member 351 for a long time, which could lead to deformation, aging, or even breakage, a stress-relieving member 3511 can be provided. For example, the stress-relieving member 3511 can be made of an elastic material. In this case, the stress-relieving member 3511 can undergo appropriate deformation under pressure, thereby increasing the friction with the first conductive component 100, and will not damage the first conductive component 100 due to excessive hardness.

[0157] Exemplarily, the stress-relieving member 3511 is sleeved on the first locking member 351. As described above, the stress-relieving member 3511 can be made of an elastic material. Exemplarily, and not limitingly, silicone can be used as the stress-relieving member 3511. The stress-relieving member 3511 is sandwiched between the first conductive component 100 and the first locking member 351. For ease of installation, the stress-relieving member 3511 can be connected to the first locking member 351 to prevent it from falling off during replacement or to avoid inconvenience in installation and disassembly. Compared to using adhesives or other methods, sleeved on the first locking member 351, the stress-relieving member 3511 can be more easily prevented from falling off and can be more easily removed from the first locking member 351 when replacement is needed.

[0158] For example, the terminal locking assembly 350 may further include a second locking member 352, which has a second locked position and a second unlocked position, such as... Figure 16A and Figure 16B As shown, when the second locking member 352 is in the second locked position, the second locking member 352 is connected to the first housing assembly 200 and engages with the first conductive assembly 100; when the second locking member 352 is in the second unlocked position, the second locking member 352 releases the first conductive assembly 100. Figure 12 As shown, the second locking member 352 may include multiple protruding claws 3521, and the first housing assembly 200 may be provided with holes 2011 through which the claws 3521 can pass. When the second locking member 352 is in the second locked position, the claws 3521 can pass through the holes 2011 and cooperate with the first conductive component 100 to limit the first conductive component 100. As described above, the first conductive component 100 can be inserted into the plug connector 10 along the guide groove 203. The first conductive component 100 may be provided with limiting holes that cooperate with the claws 3521. After the first conductive component 100 is in place, the claws 3521 can be inserted into the limiting holes, and the first conductive component 100 can be restricted from moving by the claws 3521 of the second locking member 352. Thus, the structural strength of the first conductive component 100 can be used to prevent it from moving when subjected to external force. This is more robust and simpler in structure than a method that uses friction for fixing.

[0159] For example, the edge of the reinforcing plate 112 may be provided with a notch 114 for the insertion of the second locking member 352. Providing the notch 114 at the edge of the reinforcing plate 112 avoids the shape of the mating contact end 111A from affecting the design. This significantly reduces design complexity and improves space utilization.

[0160] For example, the second locking member 352 is pivotally connected to the first housing assembly 200 between a second locked position and a second unlocked position. Figure 16A As shown, by way of example, the second locking member 352 can be mounted to the first housing assembly 200 and moved between a second locked position and a second unlocked position by pivoting about a pivot axis. Figure 16BThe pivot hole 3523 of the second locking member 352 is shown. Specifically, for example, the pivot axis can be a pivot protrusion 2012 formed on the first housing assembly 200, and the pivot hole 3523 of the second locking member 352 can be fitted onto the pivot protrusion 2012 for pivoting. The first housing assembly 200 can also have a groove, and the second locking member 352 can have a protrusion. The protrusion of the second locking member 352 is embedded in the groove of the first housing assembly 200, thereby pivoting around the protrusion. In other embodiments not shown, a separate pivot axis can also be provided, which can be inserted into the groove or opening of the first housing assembly after the second locking member is installed to form a pivot axis. Using a pivoting method, operation is relatively simple. The second locking member 352 will not separate from the first housing assembly 200 and is not easily lost. The second locking member 352 may include a protruding locking position 3522, which can cooperate with the first housing assembly 200 to form a certain resistance when in the second locked position. In other words, the user needs to apply a certain force, such as pulling the second locking member 352, to make the second locking member 352 disengage from the first housing assembly 200. This effectively prevents the second locking member 352 from accidentally reaching the second unlock position when it is not necessary to unlock it.

[0161] For example, along a lateral direction perpendicular to the mating direction XX of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20, such as a second lateral direction ZZ, the first housing assembly 200 has opposing first and second sides, and there are two second locking members 352, which are symmetrically arranged on the first and second sides. In the embodiment shown, the first conductive component 100 can be symmetrically arranged along the second lateral direction ZZ. Such a plug connector 10 can connect four first conductive components 100, thereby significantly increasing the cable density of the plug connector 10. For this type of plug connector 10, two second locking members 352 can be symmetrically arranged to fix the first conductive component 100 on each side respectively. In this way, during installation and disassembly, the first conductive component 100 on one side can be installed and locked by the second locking member 352 on that side; then the first conductive component 100 on the other side can be installed and locked by the second locking member 352 on that side. During installation, the plug connector 10 can always have one side placed on a flat surface, and the second locking member 352 on the side placed on the flat surface is in the second locked position, thereby facilitating user installation and disassembly. In a symmetrical arrangement, to avoid interference between the two second locking members 352 during pivoting, the pivot protrusion 2012 on the first housing assembly 200 that mates with the pivot hole 3523 can be offset. Of course, this application does not exclude embodiments where the first conductive component 100 is located on only one side. In this case, the second locking members 352 do not need to be symmetrically arranged.

[0162] For example, the mating contact end 111A extends into the front housing 201, the first locking member 351 is connected to the rear housing 202, and the second locking member 352 is connected to the front housing 201. It is readily understood that the front housing 201 needs to mate with the socket connector 20. Therefore, the mating contact end 111A extending into the front housing 201 allows for an electrical connection when the front housing 201 is connected to the socket connector 20, thus eliminating the need for the socket connector 20 to extend excessively into the plug connector 10 to mate with multiple contact pads 113. The first locking member 351, located in the rear housing 202, secures the first conductive component 100 from the rear, while the second locking member 352, located in the front housing 201, secures the first conductive component 100 from the front, thereby applying pressure evenly to the first conductive component 100 and preventing excessive force at one location from damaging it. Alternatively, as described above, the first locking member 351 and the second locking member 352 can also secure the first conductive component 100 in different ways.

[0163] This application also discloses a socket connector 20, including a second conductive component, a second housing assembly 500, and a housing 600. The second conductive component includes a plurality of terminals 400 configured for electrical connection with a plurality of contact pads 113 on a plug connector 10 inserted into the socket connector 20. The plurality of terminals 400 are mounted to the second housing assembly 500. The housing 600 may surround the second housing assembly 500. A connector locking adapter 610 may be provided on the housing 600, which may be configured for locking with a connector locking assembly 300 on the plug connector 10.

[0164] The receptacle connector 20 can, for example, be adapted to the plug connector 10 described above. The receptacle connector 20 is used to establish an electrical connection between a circuit board (not shown) to be installed and the adapter connector. The circuit board to be installed can be a first circuit board (also referred to as a "first printed circuit board" or "first PCB"). The receptacle connector 20 can be mounted onto the circuit board to be installed, and the corresponding conductive portion of the plug connector 10 can be inserted into the receptacle connector 20, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the circuit board to be installed and the plug connector 10 through the receptacle connector 20.

[0165] In embodiments not shown, the socket connector can also mate with other electrical components, which may be a second circuit board (also referred to as a "second printed circuit board" or "second PCB"). In this case, the first circuit board may be a motherboard, and the second circuit board may be a daughter card such as a solid-state drive (SSD) card, a wireless communication card, or an RF module. The electrical connector can be mounted to the first circuit board, and a corresponding conductive portion of the second circuit board can be inserted into the electrical connector, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the first and second circuit boards through the electrical connector.

[0166] The second housing assembly 500 may be made of an insulating material. Examples of insulating materials suitable for manufacturing the second housing assembly 500 include, but are not limited to, plastics, nylon, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-temperature nylon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO) or polypropylene (PP). For clarity and brevity, the mating direction XX, the first lateral direction YY and the second lateral direction ZZ described above are used herein. Exemplarily, a housing 600 surrounds the outside of the second housing assembly 500. The housing 600 and the second housing assembly 500 together form a second adapter portion 21 for mating with the first adapter portion 11 of the plug connector 10. At one end where the second adapter portion 21 is located, the housing 600 may extend beyond the second adapter portion 21. A longer housing 600 may provide better support for the plug connector 10 when mated with the adapter. Compared to the second housing assembly 500 or the first housing assembly 200 of the compatible plug connector 10, the enclosure 600 can withstand greater external forces, preventing the mating positions of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 from breaking due to external forces. Optionally, the enclosure 600 can be fixed to the first circuit board by means of adhesives, welding, clips, etc., thereby providing support and limiting for the second housing assembly 500. The enclosure 600 can be connected to the signal ground, thereby effectively shielding against external interference.

[0167] Return to reference Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in the figure, the connector locking adapter 610 provided on the housing 600 can be a stamped protrusion. When the plug connector 10 is connected to the socket connector 20, the third locking part 331 of the third member 330 can hook onto the connector locking adapter 610, thereby preventing the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 from accidentally separating. In other embodiments, the connector locking adapter 610 can be other structures, as long as it can be adapted to the third locking part 331. This can ensure reliable mating of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 at a lower cost.

[0168] For example, the connector locking adapter 610 may include a first connector locking adapter 611 and a second connector locking adapter 612, which are arranged sequentially along the mating direction of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20. Each of the first connector locking adapter 611 and the second connector locking adapter 612 can be locked with the connector locking assembly 300 on the plug connector 10.

[0169] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The second connector locking adapter 612 extends further into the housing 600 along the mating direction. The third locking part 331 can only engage with the second connector locking adapter 612 when the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 are tightly inserted. The first connector locking adapter 611 is positioned relatively outward. When the second connector locking adapter 612 fails, the first connector locking adapter 611 can prevent the plug connector 10 from completely disengaging. The contact plate 113 and / or terminals 400 may include short signal terminals that disconnect when the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 move relative to each other, thereby generating an alarm signal. This further prevents accidental disconnection of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20.

[0170] For example, when a user inserts the plug connector 10 into the socket connector 20, the frictional resistance may gradually increase during the initial insertion process. Therefore, the user may mistakenly believe that the plug connector 10 is properly inserted. In this case, the third locking portion 331 of the third component 330 may engage with the second connector locking adapter 612, failing to achieve a proper lock. During vehicle operation, vibration may cause the plug connector 10 to loosen. In this case, as the plug connector 10 disengages outward, the third locking portion 331 can engage with the first connector locking adapter 611, thereby preventing accidental disconnection of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20. In short, regardless of whether the third locking portion 331 and the second connector locking adapter 612 accidentally separate due to excessive vibration, improper connection of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 by the user, or damage to the second connector locking adapter 612, the first connector locking adapter 611 can prevent accidental disconnection of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20.

[0171] like Figure 18As best illustrated, each of the plurality of terminals 400 may be formed of a conductive material. Suitable conductive materials for manufacturing terminals 400 may be metals or metal alloys, such as copper or copper alloys. Electrical contact terminals 401 may be configured to mate with corresponding conductive portions of electrical components such as the aforementioned second circuit board or plug connector, and mounting terminals 402 may be configured to be mounted to a circuit board such as the aforementioned first circuit board. Mounting terminals 402 may be straight along a second lateral direction. Specifically, the first circuit board may include conductive portions such as conductive pads or conductive vias, and the mounting terminals 402 of the terminals 400 may be configured to be connected to the conductive portions of the first circuit board by any suitable process known in the art (e.g., press-fit or soldering). For example, the second circuit board may include conductive portions disposed at or near the edge of the second circuit board and may be inserted into an electrical connector such that the conductive portions of the second circuit board contact the electrical contact terminals 401 of the terminals 400.

[0172] Each of the plurality of terminals 400 may include a bent section, which is bent such that the mounting end 402 and the electrical contact end 401 of the terminal 400 are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. When the plurality of terminals 400 are disposed in the second housing assembly 500, the mounting end 402 is oriented along a second lateral direction ZZ, and the electrical contact end 401 is oriented along a mating direction XX, which is substantially perpendicular to the second lateral direction ZZ. With this configuration, the receptacle connector 20 can be mounted onto the circuit board along the second lateral direction ZZ and mates with the plug connector along the mating direction XX, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the plug connector and the circuit board. The mounting end 402 and the electrical contact end 401 may also extend in opposite directions along the mating direction XX, such that each terminal 400 is substantially straight.

[0173] Exemplarily, the second housing assembly 500 may be formed onto the terminal 400 in a secondary molding process. In some embodiments, the second housing assembly 500 may further include a mounting assembly (not shown) for spacing the mounting ends 402 of the plurality of terminals 400 apart from each other. In some embodiments, the second housing assembly 500 includes a main body portion and a reserved groove, through which all terminals 400 may be mounted onto the main body of the second housing assembly 500, and then glue may be poured into the groove to form a secondary molding process that can fix the mounting ends of the terminals 400.

[0174] For example, the body 600 can be formed by bending metal sheets, with mortise and tenon structures 630 formed on opposite edges of the metal sheets to connect the edges of the metal sheets to each other. (Continue to refer to...) Figure 18The housing 600 completely encloses the second housing assembly 500 of the socket connector 20. Preferably, the metal sheet can be stamped into a suitable shape using a stamping process. After assembling the second housing assembly 500 and the terminal 400 of the socket connector 20, the metal sheet is placed into the semi-finished stamped housing 600, and the portion of the housing 600 that needs to be bent is bent, thus completely enclosing the second housing assembly 500. For example, a tenon and mortise structure 630 can be formed at the lower part of the housing 600. After bending, the edges of the originally separate metal sheets of the housing 600 connect to each other, thereby enabling it to withstand a larger force parallel to the direction of the metal sheets. Compared to welding the metal sheets of the housing 600 together to form a complete unit, the tenon and mortise structure 630 allows for mass production quickly using a stamping process, resulting in lower costs and higher reliability and yield.

[0175] Exemplarily, the compartment 600 may include a plate lock 620 for mounting to a second circuit board. As described above, the compartment 600 can be fixed to a first circuit board. Since the socket connector 20 may be subjected to a certain tensile force after being connected to the plug connector 10, there are certain requirements for the connection strength between the compartment 600, which is a major load-bearing component, and the first circuit board. Preferably, the compartment 600 can be connected to the first circuit board by welding. In some embodiments, one side of the compartment 600 can be integrally soldered to the first circuit board to form a reliable connection. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the compartment 600 includes a plate lock 620 composed of protruding metal portions, which can be embedded in the pad vias and / or through holes of the first circuit board and can also be soldered to further ensure that the compartment 600 is securely locked to the first circuit board. The plate lock 620 can match the pad vias of the first circuit board, and the pad vias are typically slightly larger than the plate lock 620. After the plate lock 620 is inserted into the through-hole of the first circuit board, the gap between the through-hole and the plate lock 620 can be filled by soldering, thereby reliably fixing it. Compared with the embodiment of directly soldering the body 600 to the first circuit board, the plate lock 620 not only eliminates the need to heat the entire body 600 to ensure that the temperature at the solder joint reaches the soldering requirements, reducing the soldering difficulty; the plate lock 620 passes through the first circuit board, and when the body 600 is under force, not only the solder joint is under force, but the substrate of the first circuit board also disperses the force on the body 600, thereby preventing the solder pads at the solder joint from separating from the substrate of the first circuit board under large tensile forces, ensuring the firmness of the socket connector 20. Preferably, the end of the plate lock 620 can have a reduced size, thereby forming a step at a position where the plate lock 620 is nearly flush with the lower surface of the body 600. The smaller size of the end of the plate lock 620 allows it to be inserted into the through hole of the first circuit board, while the step can be stuck on the surface of the first circuit board and will not enter the through hole of the first circuit board, thereby limiting the box 600 and ensuring that the box 600 will not tilt.

[0176] Exemplarily, the inner surface of the front portion of the housing 600 is spaced apart from the outer surface of the second housing assembly 500 to form a space for receiving the insertion portion of the plug connector 10, and the connector locking adapter 610 is disposed within the space. Exemplarily, the second housing assembly 500 may include a front portion for engaging with the front portion of the housing 600 to form the second adapter portion 21 and a rear portion for securing the terminal 400, such as... Figure 18As shown. The rear portion of the housing 600 is fixed to the rear portion of the second housing assembly 500. The dimensions of this rear portion are adapted to the dimensions of the housing 600. The housing 600 can be fixed to the rear portion of the second housing assembly 500 by means of a snap-fit ​​or spring 640 or similar structure. The dimensions of the front portion of the second housing assembly 500 are smaller than the dimensions of the housing 600, such that a cavity for receiving the first adapter portion 11 of the plug connector 10 is formed between the front portion and the housing 600. When the second adapter portion 21 is connected to the first adapter portion 11 of the plug connector 10, the first adapter portion 11 can be inserted into the housing 600, and the front portion of the second housing assembly 500 is inserted into the opening of the first adapter portion 11.

[0177] This application also discloses a method for operating a plug connector, the control method including the following steps:

[0178] Move the first component from the first locked position to the first released position to release the second component, which is in the second locked position; and

[0179] The second component is moved from the second locked position to the second released position to unlock the third component, wherein when the second component is in the second locked position, the third component is in the third locked position; and when the second component is in the second released position, the third component is in the third released position to release the socket connector adapted to the plug connector.

[0180] For example, the step of moving the first component from the first locked position to the first released position may include: pressing the first operating part C on the first component in the first locked position; and moving the first component along a first direction such that the first component moves to the first released position.

[0181] This application also discloses a method for replacing a first conductive component in a plug connector, which may include the following steps:

[0182] The first locking member is moved to the first unlocking position. The first locking member is provided with a stress relief member. When the first locking member is in the first unlocking position, the stress relief member releases the first conductive component.

[0183] Remove the first conductive component;

[0184] Replace the first conductive component; and

[0185] The first locking component is moved to the first locking position, and the stress relief component presses against the replaced first conductive component.

[0186] For example, before the step of removing the first conductive component, the method of replacing the first conductive component may further include: moving the second locking member to the second unlocked position, and the second locking member disengaging from the first conductive component; and after the step of replacing the first conductive component, the method may further include: moving the second locking member to the second locked position, and the second locking member being inserted into the first conductive component.

[0187] Therefore, this disclosure has been described through the above-described embodiments. However, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make many more variations, modifications, and improvements based on the teachings of this disclosure, all of which fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and the claims. The scope of protection of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. The above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this disclosure to the described embodiments.

[0188] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front", "rear", "up", "down", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", and "bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this disclosure; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0189] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," and "above" are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship between one or more components or features shown in the figures and other components or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms include not only the orientation of the component as depicted in the figures but also different orientations during use or operation. For example, if the components in the figures are inverted as a whole, "above" or "above other components or features" will include cases where the component is "below" or "under" other components or features. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." Furthermore, these components or features may also be positioned at other different angles (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other angles), and this document intends to include all such cases.

[0190] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to limit the exemplary implementations according to this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, parts, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0191] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this disclosure described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

Claims

1. A plug connector, characterized in that, include: First conductive component; A first housing assembly, wherein the first conductive component is mounted to the first housing assembly; as well as A connector locking assembly, comprising a first component, a second component, and a third component, wherein: The first component is movable between a first locked position and a first released position. The first component is configured to engage with the first housing assembly and lock the second component when in the first locked position, and to disengage from the first housing assembly and release the second component when in the first released position. The second component is configured to be movable between a second locked position locked by the first component and a second released position cooperating with the third component. The third component is configured to be movable between a third engaged position of a lockable mating receptacle connector and a third released position that engages with the second component to release the receptacle connector.

2. The plug connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first component includes: A first body, the first body including a first operating part, the first operating part being operable to move the first member along a first direction between a first locked position and a first released position; and A first locking part locks the second member when the first member is in the first locking position and releases the second member when the first member is in the first releasing position.

3. The plug connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first operating unit is operable between an initial position and a first operating position along a second direction different from the first direction, wherein: When the first operating part is in the initial position, the limiting part on the first housing assembly blocks the first operating part along the first direction, so that the first component remains in the first locking position; and When the first operating part is in the first operating position, the first operating part is released from the obstruction of the limiting part, so that the first component can be moved to the first release position.

4. The plug connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting portion extends along the first direction. When the first operating portion is in the initial position, it abuts against the end of the limiting portion. When the first operating portion is in the first operating position, it passes over the end of the limiting portion and slides along the limiting portion, so that the first member moves to the first release position.

5. The plug connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first operating part includes a cantilever and a pair of wings that protrude outward from both sides of the free end of the cantilever. The limiting parts are arranged in pairs to block the pair of wings along the first direction.

6. The plug connector as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The outer surface of the first operating part has a protrusion that protrudes from the outer surface of the first body, and a protruding protective part is provided on the outer surface of the first body, the protective part being disposed around the protrusion.

7. The plug connector as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The first component further includes a first intermediate portion, which is connected between the first locking portion and the first body; The third component includes: A third locking part is configured to lock and release the socket connector; The third tail portion, the third locking portion, and the third tail portion are respectively located at opposite ends of the third member; and A third intermediate portion is connected between the third locking portion and the third tail portion. The width of the third intermediate portion is smaller than the width of the third locking portion and the width of at least a portion of the third tail portion. A gap is provided on the first intermediate portion, and the third intermediate portion passes through the gap.

8. The plug connector as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The width of the third locking portion and the width of at least a portion of the third tail portion are both greater than the width of the gap; and / or The width of the third intermediate portion is adapted to the width of the gap.

9. The plug connector as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, The second component is configured to be pressable into the second release position, facing inwards from the first housing assembly. The first locking part is located inside the second member. When the first member is in the first locking position, the first locking part abuts against the second member toward the outside of the first housing assembly so that the second member is held in the second locking position.

10. The plug connector as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The third component includes a third opening extending along the first direction, through which the first locking portion engages with the second component and is slidable along the third opening.

11. The plug connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first housing assembly is provided with a mounting channel extending in a first direction. The first component is movably mounted to the mounting channel along the first direction between the first locked position and the first released position, the mounting channel at least limiting the movement of the first component in the first direction.

12. The plug connector as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, The first component includes a first body, the first body comprising: A first sidewall, wherein a first operating part is provided on the first sidewall, the first operating part being operable to move the first component between a first locked position and a first released position; and The second sidewall and the third sidewall are disposed opposite to each other on both sides of the first sidewall. The second sidewall and the third sidewall are respectively provided with a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion. The first housing assembly is provided with a first slot and a second slot extending along the first direction. The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion engage with the first slot and the second slot respectively along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are slidable along the first slot and the second slot.

13. The plug connector as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that, Both the second component and the third component are located within the mounting channel. Along the first direction, the third component is secured in place by the second component and the first housing assembly.

14. The plug connector as claimed in any one of claims 2-13, characterized in that, The first direction is parallel to the mating direction of the plug connector and the socket connector.

15. The plug connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The third component includes: A third locking part, the third locking part being used to lock and release the socket connector; and The third tail portion, the third locking portion, and the third tail portion are respectively located at opposite ends of the third component. The third tail portion includes a connecting segment, a middle segment, and an end segment sequentially connected along the mating direction of the plug connector and the socket connector. The connecting segment is connected to the third locking portion, wherein: The middle section bends inward toward the first housing assembly and abuts against the first housing assembly; The end faces outwards from the first housing assembly and abuts against the first housing assembly; and The first housing assembly is provided with a fulcrum, which biases the connecting segment toward the outside of the first housing assembly.

16. The plug connector as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The third tail section has third wings on both sides of its end. Along the insertion direction of the plug connector into the socket connector, the third wing abuts against the first housing assembly.

17. The plug connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The third component also includes a protruding third limiting part. Along the pull-out direction of the plug connector from the socket connector, the third limiting portion abuts against the second member.

18. The plug connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The third component is made of a metal sheet.

19. The plug connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The first housing assembly includes a front housing and a rear housing, with the first conductive component extending into the front housing. The first component is installed into the rear housing and extends into the front housing; The second component is mounted between the front housing and the portion of the first component that extends into the front housing; The third component is mounted to the rear housing and extends to the front housing.

20. A plug connector, characterized in that, include: First conductive component; A first housing assembly, wherein the first conductive component is inserted into the first housing assembly; as well as A terminal locking assembly includes a first locking member and a stress-relieving member fixed to the first locking member. The first locking member has a first locking position and a first unlocking position. When the first locking member is in the first locking position, the first conductive component is clamped between the first housing component and the stress relief component; and when the first locking member is in the first unlocking position, the first conductive component is detachable from the first housing component.

21. The plug connector as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that, The first locking member is detachably connected to the first housing assembly between the first locked position and the first unlocked position.

22. The plug connector as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that, The first locking element includes an elastic buckle that cooperates with the first housing assembly, and the elastic buckle can be disengaged from the first housing assembly under the action of a tool.

23. The plug connector as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that, The stress-relieving component is sleeved on the first locking component; and / or The stress-relieving component is made of an elastic material.

24. The plug connector as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that, The first conductive component includes a flexible flat cable, the flexible flat cable including a mating contact end extending into the first housing assembly, a mounting end located outside the first housing assembly, and an intermediate section connecting the mating contact end and the mounting end, wherein when the first locking member is in the first locking position, the intermediate section is clamped between the first housing assembly and the stress relief member.

25. The plug connector as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that, The middle section is bent under the pressure of the first locking member.

26. The plug connector as claimed in claim 25, characterized in that, The middle section is offset relative to the mating contact end towards one side of the first housing assembly.

27. The plug connector as claimed in claim 20, characterized in that, The terminal locking assembly further includes a second locking member, which has a second locked position and a second unlocked position. When the second locking member is in the second locked position, the second locking member is connected to the first housing assembly and engaged with the first conductive assembly; and when the second locking member is in the second unlocked position, the second locking member releases the first conductive assembly.

28. The plug connector as claimed in claim 27, characterized in that, The first conductive component includes: A flexible flat cable, the flexible flat cable including a mating contact end extending into the first housing assembly, a mounting end located outside the first housing assembly, and an intermediate section connecting the mating contact end and the mounting end; and A reinforcing plate, wherein the mating contact end is fixed to the reinforcing plate, and the edge of the reinforcing plate is provided with a notch for the second locking member to be inserted.

29. The plug connector as claimed in claim 27, characterized in that, The second locking member is pivotally connected to the first housing assembly between the second locked position and the second unlocked position.

30. The plug connector as claimed in claim 27, characterized in that, Along a lateral direction perpendicular to the mating direction of the plug connector and the socket connector, the first housing assembly has opposing first and second sides. There are two second locking components, which are symmetrically arranged on the first side and the second side.

31. The plug connector as claimed in claim 27, characterized in that, The first housing assembly includes a front housing and a rear housing, with the first conductive component extending into the front housing. The first locking member is connected to the rear housing, and the second locking member is connected to the front housing.

32. The plug connector as claimed in claim 31, characterized in that, It also includes a pivot shaft, one end of which is connected to the front housing. The second locking member has a pivot hole, into which the pivot shaft is inserted to pivot between the second locked position and the second unlocked position. The rear housing is connected to the front housing, and the rear housing restricts the second locking member from disengaging from the pivot at the other end of the pivot.

33. A socket connector, characterized in that, include: A second conductive component is configured to be electrically connected to a first conductive component on a plug connector inserted into the socket connector; A second housing assembly, wherein the second conductive component is mounted to the second housing assembly; and The compartment surrounds the second housing assembly and has a connector locking adapter configured to engage with a connector locking assembly on the plug connector.

34. The socket connector as claimed in claim 33, characterized in that, The connector locking adapter includes a first connector locking adapter and a second connector locking adapter. The first connector locking adapter and the second connector locking adapter are arranged sequentially along the mating direction of the plug connector and the socket connector. Each of the first connector locking adapter and the second connector locking adapter can be locked with the connector locking component on the plug connector.

35. The socket connector as claimed in claim 33, characterized in that, The body is formed by bending metal sheets, and the opposite edges of the metal sheets are formed with mortise and tenon structures so that the edges of the metal sheets are connected to each other.

36. The socket connector as claimed in claim 33, characterized in that, The compartment includes a plate lock for mounting to a circuit board.

37. The socket connector as claimed in claim 33, characterized in that, The inner surface of the front part of the compartment is spaced apart from the outer surface of the second housing assembly to form a space for receiving the insertion portion of the plug connector, wherein the connector locking adapter is disposed within the space.

38. A method for operating a plug connector, characterized in that, include: Move the first component from the first locked position to the first released position to release the second component which is in the second locked position; The second component is moved from the second locked position to the second released position to unlock the third component, wherein when the second component is in the second locked position, the third component is in the third locked position; When the second component is in the second release position, the third component is in the third release position to release the socket connector adapted to the plug connector.

39. The method as described in claim 38, characterized in that, The step of moving the first component from the first locked position to the first released position includes: Press the first operating part on the first component in the first locking position; The first component is moved along a first direction, such that the first component moves to the first release position.

40. A method for replacing conductive components in a plug connector, characterized in that, include: The first locking member is moved to the first unlocking position. The first locking member is provided with a stress relief member. When the first locking member is in the first unlocking position, the stress relief member releases the conductive component. Remove the conductive component; Replace the conductive components; as well as The first locking member is moved to the first locking position, and the stress relief member presses against the replaced conductive component.

41. The method as described in claim 40, characterized in that, Prior to the step of removing the conductive component, the method further includes: moving the second locking member to a second unlocked position, thereby disengaging the second locking member from the conductive component; and After the step of replacing the conductive component, the method further includes: moving the second locking member to a second locking position, wherein the second locking member is inserted into the conductive component.

42. A cable connector, characterized in that, include: Housing assembly; as well as A conductive component, the conductive component comprising at least one flexible flat cable, each of the at least one flexible flat cable including a mating contact end, a mounting end, and an intermediate section connecting the mating contact end and the mounting end, wherein: The mating contact end of at least one flexible flat cable extends into the housing assembly, while the mounting end of the at least one flexible flat cable is located outside the housing assembly; The mating contact end of the at least one flexible flat cable has a first surface and a second surface, each of the first surface and the second surface including a plurality of contact discs arranged in a row along a first lateral direction, and the first surface and the second surface being opposite each other along a second lateral direction perpendicular to the first lateral direction.

43. The cable connector as claimed in claim 42, characterized in that, The conductive component is detachably connected to the housing assembly.

44. The cable connector as claimed in claim 43, characterized in that, It also includes a first locking element, which has a first locked position and a first unlocked position. When the first locking member is in the first locking position, the intermediate section is sandwiched between the housing assembly and the first locking member; and when the first locking member is in the first unlocking position, the conductive component is detachable from the housing assembly.

45. The cable connector as claimed in claim 44, characterized in that, It also includes a stress-relieving component fixed to the first locking member. When the first locking member is in the first locking position, the stress relief member is sandwiched between the intermediate section and the first locking member.

46. ​​The cable connector as claimed in claim 45, characterized in that, The stress-relieving component is sleeved on the first locking component; and / or The stress-relieving component is made of an elastic material.

47. The cable connector as claimed in claim 44, characterized in that, The middle section is bent under the pressure of the first locking member.

48. The cable connector as claimed in claim 47, characterized in that, The middle section is offset relative to the mating contact end towards one side of the housing assembly.

49. The cable connector as claimed in claim 44, characterized in that, The first locking element includes an elastic buckle that cooperates with the housing assembly, and the elastic buckle can be disengaged from the housing assembly by the action of a tool.

50. The cable connector as claimed in claim 44, characterized in that, The conductive component also includes a reinforcing plate, the mating contact end is fixed to the reinforcing plate, and the reinforcing plate is fixed to the housing assembly.

51. The cable connector as claimed in claim 44, characterized in that, The at least one flexible flat cable includes a first flexible flat cable and a second flexible flat cable. The mating contact end of the first flexible flat cable includes the first surface, and the mating contact end of the first flexible flat cable also has a third surface, the third surface and the first surface being opposite to each other along the second lateral direction. The mating contact end of the second flexible flat cable includes the second surface, and the mating contact end of the second flexible flat cable also has a fourth surface, the fourth surface and the second surface being opposite to each other along the second lateral direction. The third surface and the fourth surface are arranged opposite to each other.

52. The cable connector as claimed in claim 51, characterized in that, The third surface and the fourth surface are respectively fixed with reinforcing plates, and the reinforcing plates are fixed to the housing assembly.

53. The cable connector as described in claim 50 or 52, characterized in that, It also includes a second locking member, which has a second locked position and a second unlocked position, wherein: When the second locking member is in the second locking position, the second locking member is connected to the housing assembly and engaged with the reinforcing plate to fix the reinforcing plate to the housing assembly; and When the second locking member is in the second unlocked position, the second locking member releases the reinforcing plate.

54. The cable connector as described in claim 53, characterized in that, The edge of the reinforcing plate is provided with a notch, and the second locking member is inserted into the notch when it is in the second locking position.

55. The cable connector as claimed in claim 53, characterized in that, The housing assembly includes: Front housing; A pivot shaft, one end of which is connected to the front housing, and a pivot hole provided on the second locking member, into which the pivot shaft is inserted, so that the second locking member can pivot between the second locked position and the second unlocked position; A rear housing connected to the front housing, the rear housing restricting the second locking member from disengaging from the pivot at the other end of the pivot.

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