Connector assembly

Abstract

A connector assembly includes an electrical connector and a mating module. The electrical connector includes a housing, a first conductive terminal, and a second conductive terminal. The first conductive terminal includes a first contact portion. The second conductive terminal includes a second contact portion. The mating module has a tongue plate, which has a base, a transition portion, and a contraction portion. The contraction portion is configured to be inserted between the first contact portion and the second contact portion; the first contact portion and the second contact portion are configured to be elastically deformed outward by being pressed along the transition portion by the mating module; the first contact portion and the second contact portion are configured to extend beyond the transition portion to contact the mating module and achieve electrical connection. This invention, by providing the mating module, reduces the risk of the first conductive terminal and the second conductive terminal being easily damaged by foreign objects, thus improving reliability.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Electrical connectors in related technologies include an insulating body, a plurality of conductive terminals mounted on the insulating body, and a metal housing mounted on the insulating body. The plurality of conductive terminals include a plurality of signal terminals. Each conductive terminal includes a resilient contact arm, which includes a contact portion and a tail portion integrally extending from the contact portion. However, as the requirements for signal transmission quality in electrical connectors continue to increase, a longer tail portion can cause significant resonance.

[0003] In addition, shortening the tail section makes it easier for foreign objects to insert and damage the tail section, thereby reducing the reliability of the electrical connector.

[0004] Therefore, there is still room for improvement in the electrical connectors of related technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a connector assembly with conductive terminal protection function.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a connector assembly, comprising:

[0007] An electrical connector, the electrical connector comprising:

[0008] A housing having a receiving slot extending in a first direction;

[0009] A first terminal module, at least partially disposed in the housing, the first terminal module including a plurality of first conductive terminals, each first conductive terminal including a first resilient contact arm, the first resilient contact arm including a first contact portion, the first contact portion protruding into the receiving slot; and

[0010] A second terminal module, at least partially disposed in the housing, includes a plurality of second conductive terminals, each second conductive terminal including a second elastic contact arm, the second elastic contact arm including a second contact portion protruding into the receiving slot; the first contact portion and the second contact portion are respectively located on both sides of the receiving slot along a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; and

[0011] A docking module is provided with a tongue plate, a plurality of first contact pieces located on one side of the tongue plate, and a plurality of second contact pieces located on the other side of the tongue plate. The tongue plate is provided with a base, a transition portion connected to the base, and a contraction portion connected to the transition portion. The thickness of the contraction portion along the second direction is less than the thickness of the base along the second direction. The transition portion is provided with a first guide surface and a second guide surface.

[0012] When the docking module is inserted into the receiving slot, the retractable portion is configured to be inserted between the first contact portion and the second contact portion; the first contact portion and the second contact portion are configured to be elastically deformed outward by being squeezed along the first guide surface and the second guide surface, respectively; the first contact portion and the second contact portion are configured to extend beyond the first guide surface and the second guide surface, respectively, to contact the first contact piece and the second contact piece and achieve electrical connection.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, the contraction portion includes a first flat surface and a second flat surface opposite to the first flat surface along the second direction;

[0014] The base includes a third flat surface and a fourth flat surface opposite to the third flat surface along the second direction;

[0015] The first guide surface connects the first flat surface and the third flat surface, and the second guide surface connects the second flat surface and the fourth flat surface.

[0016] As a further improved technical solution of the present invention, the first guide surface smoothly connects the first flat surface and the third flat surface, and the second guide surface smoothly connects the second flat surface and the fourth flat surface.

[0017] As a further improvement of the present invention, the first guide surface and the first flat surface are transitioned by an arc, the first guide surface and the third flat surface are transitioned by an arc, the second guide surface and the second flat surface are transitioned by an arc, and the second guide surface and the fourth flat surface are transitioned by an arc.

[0018] As a further improvement of the present invention, the distance between the third flat surface and the fourth flat surface along the second direction is greater than the distance between the first flat surface and the second flat surface along the second direction.

[0019] As a further improvement of the present invention, the contraction portion is provided with a first guide slope and a second guide slope at its end, the first guide slope and the second guide slope being configured to abut against the first contact portion and the second contact portion respectively.

[0020] As a further improvement of the present invention, the housing includes a first conductive housing and a second conductive housing, wherein the first conductive housing and the second conductive housing are separately disposed and fixed together to form the receiving slot.

[0021] The first conductive terminal does not contact the first conductive housing, and the second conductive terminal does not contact the second conductive housing.

[0022] As a further improvement of the present invention, the electrical connector further includes a first grounding plate fixed to the first conductive housing. The first grounding plate includes a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate opposite to the first mounting plate, and a first connecting plate connecting one side of the first mounting plate and one side of the second mounting plate. The second mounting plate is provided with a first grounding spring arm protruding into the receiving slot. The first grounding spring arm is configured to abut against the docking module.

[0023] As a further improvement of the present invention, the electrical connector includes a second grounding plate fixed to the second conductive housing. The second grounding plate includes a third mounting plate, a fourth mounting plate opposite to the third mounting plate, and a second connecting plate connecting one side of the third mounting plate and one side of the fourth mounting plate. The fourth mounting plate is provided with a second grounding spring arm protruding into the receiving slot. The second grounding spring arm is configured to abut against the docking module.

[0024] As a further improvement of the present invention, the electrical connector includes a first cable connected to the first conductive terminal and a second cable connected to the second conductive terminal.

[0025] Compared to existing technologies, the connector assembly of the present invention includes a mating module, which has a tongue plate, a plurality of first contact pieces located on one side of the tongue plate, and a plurality of second contact pieces located on the other side of the tongue plate. The tongue plate has a base, a transition portion connected to the base, and a contraction portion connected to the transition portion, wherein the thickness of the contraction portion along the second direction is less than the thickness of the base along the second direction, and the transition portion has a first guide surface and a second guide surface. When the mating module is inserted into the receiving slot, the contraction portion is configured to be inserted between the first contact portion and the second contact portion; the first contact portion and the second contact portion are configured to be elastically deformed outward by being pressed along the first guide surface and the second guide surface, respectively; the first contact portion and the second contact portion are configured to extend beyond the first guide surface and the second guide surface, respectively, to contact the first contact piece and the second contact piece and achieve electrical connection. With this configuration, the optimized docking module of the present invention can expand the first elastic contact arm and the second elastic contact arm outward in layers when inserted into the receiving slot, thereby reducing the risk that the first end of the first conductive terminal and the second end of the second conductive terminal may be damaged by foreign objects after their length is shortened, and improving reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the connector assembly of the present invention in one embodiment, wherein the mating module is inserted into the electrical connector.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial exploded perspective view, wherein the mating module is separate from the electrical connector.

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Another perspective of partial 3D exploded view.

[0029] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The right view.

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The exploded perspective view of the electrical connector described herein shows that the first module, the second module, and the outer insulating shell are separated from each other.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a top view of the first module and the second module when they are separated.

[0032] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A bottom view.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a partial exploded 3D view of the first module.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a partial exploded 3D view of the second module.

[0035] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 An exploded perspective view of the first housing, the first insulating block, and the first grounding plate from another angle.

[0036] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 An exploded perspective view of the second housing, the second insulating block, and the second grounding plate from another angle.

[0037] Figure 12 The connector assembly of the present invention is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the EE line, showing the docking module just inserted into the docking slot.

[0038] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the docking module as it is further inserted.

[0039] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the docking module when it is inserted into place.

[0040] Figure 15 yes Figure 12 A magnified view of part B within the middle frame.

[0041] Figure 16 yes Figure 13 A magnified view of part C within the middle frame.

[0042] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 A magnified view of part D within the middle frame. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. If several embodiments exist, features in these embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict. When the description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise stated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The descriptions in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention; rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses, products, and / or methods consistent with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0044] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” or “the” as used in the specification and claims of this invention are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0045] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish features. Similarly, the terms "an" or "a" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "before," "after," "upper," "lower," and similar words appearing in this invention are for ease of explanation only and are not limited to a specific location or spatial orientation. The terms "comprising" or "including" are an open-ended expression, meaning that the element preceding "comprising" or "including" encompasses the element following "comprising" or "including" and its equivalents, but this does not preclude the element preceding "comprising" or "including" from also including other elements. In this invention, the term "several" means two or more.

[0046] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4As shown, the present invention discloses a connector assembly including an electrical connector 100 and a mating module 300 for at least partially inserting into the electrical connector 100. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the electrical connector 100 is an OSFP (Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable) receptacle connector; correspondingly, the mating module 300 is an OSFP plug connector. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the electrical connector 100 is a receptacle cable connector. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that the electrical connector 100 can also be an SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) socket connector, a QSFP (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable) socket connector, a QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable-Double Density) socket connector, an SFP-DD (Small Form-factor Pluggable-Double Density) socket connector, or a DSFP (Dual Chanel Small Form-factor Pluggable) socket connector, etc.; correspondingly, the mating module 300 can be an SFP plug connector, a QSFP plug connector, a QSFP-DD plug connector, an SFP-DD plug connector, or a DSFP plug connector, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that the basic architecture of the above types of electrical connectors 100 is specified by the corresponding association standards, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0047] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the electrical connector 100 is provided with a receiving slot 101 that at least partially accommodates the mating module 300. To simplify the description of the specific embodiments of the present invention, the insertion / removal direction between the mating module 300 and the electrical connector 100 is a first direction A1-A1 (e.g., front-to-back direction); the thickness direction of the receiving slot 101 is a second direction A2-A2 (e.g., vertical direction); and the width direction of the receiving slot 101 is a third direction A3-A3 (e.g., horizontal direction). The first direction A1-A1, the second direction A2-A2, and the third direction A3-A3 are all perpendicular to each other.

[0048] Please combine Figure 2 as well as Figure 3As shown, the docking module 300 includes a tongue plate 301. The tongue plate 301 includes an upper surface 302, a lower surface 303, a plurality of first contact pieces 304 exposed on the upper surface 302, and a plurality of second contact pieces 305 exposed on the lower surface 303. The plurality of first contact pieces 304 are arranged at intervals along the third direction A3-A3, and the plurality of second contact pieces 305 are arranged at intervals along the third direction A3-A3.

[0049] Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the plurality of first contact pieces 304 include a plurality of first signal contact pieces 3041 and a plurality of first ground contact pieces 3042. The plurality of first signal contact pieces 3041 are divided into several groups, wherein each group of first signal contact pieces 3041 includes two first signal contact pieces 3041 arranged adjacently along the third direction A3-A3. A first ground contact piece 3042 is provided on each side of each group of first signal contact pieces 3041 to improve shielding and enhance signal transmission quality. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, each group of first signal contact pieces 3041 forms a differential pair to improve signal transmission speed. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the length of each first ground contact piece 3042 along the first direction A1-A1 is greater than the length of each first signal contact piece 3041 along the first direction A1-A1 to better improve shielding and enhance signal transmission quality.

[0050] Similarly, in the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the plurality of second contact pieces 305 include a plurality of second signal contact pieces 3051 and a plurality of second ground contact pieces 3052. The plurality of second signal contact pieces 3051 are divided into several groups, wherein each group of second signal contact pieces 3051 includes two second signal contact pieces 3051 arranged adjacently along the third direction A3-A3. A second ground contact piece 3052 is provided on each side of each group of second signal contact pieces 3051 to improve shielding and enhance signal transmission quality. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, each group of second signal contact pieces 3051 forms a differential pair to improve signal transmission speed. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the length of each second ground contact piece 3052 along the first direction A1-A1 is greater than the length of each second signal contact piece 3051 along the first direction A1-A1 to better improve shielding and enhance signal transmission quality.

[0051] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the tongue plate 301 has a base 3011, a transition portion 3012 connected to the base 3011, and a contraction portion 3013 connected to the transition portion 3012. The base 3011, the transition portion 3012, and the contraction portion 3013 are arranged sequentially along the first direction A1-A1. The thickness of the contraction portion 3013 along the second direction A2-A2 is less than the thickness of the base 3011 along the second direction A2-A2.

[0052] Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the contraction portion 3013 includes a first flat surface 3013a and a second flat surface 3013b opposite to the first flat surface 3013a along the second direction A2-A2. The base portion 3011 includes a third flat surface 3011a and a fourth flat surface 3011b opposite to the third flat surface 3011a along the second direction A2-A2. The transition portion 3012 is provided with a first guide surface 3012a and a second guide surface 3012b. The first guide surface 3012a connects the first flat surface 3013a and the third flat surface 3011a, and the second guide surface 3012b connects the second flat surface 3013b and the fourth flat surface 3011b.

[0053] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first guide surface 3012a smoothly connects the first flat surface 3013a and the third flat surface 3011a, and the second guide surface 3012b smoothly connects the second flat surface 3013b and the fourth flat surface 3011b. Specifically, the first guide surface 3012a and the first flat surface 3013a are transitioned by an arc, the first guide surface 3012a and the third flat surface 3011a are transitioned by an arc, the second guide surface 3012b and the second flat surface 3013b are transitioned by an arc, and the second guide surface 3012b and the fourth flat surface 3011b are transitioned by an arc.

[0054] The distance between the third flat surface 3011a and the fourth flat surface 3011b along the second direction A2-A2 is greater than the distance between the first flat surface 3013a and the second flat surface 3013b along the second direction A2-A2.

[0055] In addition, the contraction section 3013 is provided with a first guide slope 3013c and a second guide slope 3013d located at its end.

[0056] Please combine Figures 5 to 17As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connector 100 includes a first module M1, a second module M2, and an outer insulating shell 9 fixed on the first module M1 and the second module M2, wherein the first module M1 and the second module M2 are separately disposed and fixed together.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connector 100 includes a housing 1, a terminal protection device 8 mounted on the housing 1, and a plurality of conductive terminals 3 mounted on the housing 1.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing 1 is a conductive housing. The conductive housing is a metal housing made of metallic material to further improve the shielding effect and enhance the quality of signal transmission. In another embodiment of the present invention, the conductive housing may also be a composite housing formed by electroplating metallic material onto an insulating material; this composite housing also improves the shielding effect and enhances the quality of signal transmission.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing 1 includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12. The first housing 11 is a first conductive housing, and the second housing 12 is a second conductive housing. The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are fixed together, for example, after the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are assembled, they are then fixed together by means such as welding. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first housing 11 of the first module M1 and the second housing 12 of the second module M2 are separately disposed and fixed together to jointly form the receiving slot 101.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first housing 11 includes a first base 111 and a first protrusion 112 extending forward from the first base 111. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first base 111 and the first protrusion 112 have the same width. The first base 111 is provided with a first upper surface 1111, a first lower surface 1112, a first rear surface 1115, and a plurality of first mounting grooves 1116 recessed forward from the first rear surface 1115. The plurality of first mounting grooves 1116 are arranged at intervals along the third direction A3-A3. Furthermore, the plurality of first mounting grooves 1116 penetrate downward through the first lower surface 1112. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the first base 111 is also provided with a plurality of first partition portions 1113, wherein any two adjacent first mounting grooves 1116 are separated by a first partition portion 1113 located between the two first mounting grooves 1116, so as to improve shielding and improve the quality of signal transmission. The first base 111 further includes a first mounting groove 1110 recessed upward from the first lower surface 1112. Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first mounting groove 1116 extends rearward through the first rear surface 1115, and the first mounting groove 1116 communicates downward with the first mounting groove 1110, which in turn extends downward through the first lower surface 1112. Furthermore, the bottom of the first base 111 is also provided with at least one first groove 1118 near the first protrusion 112.

[0061] The first protrusion 112 has a second upper surface 1121, a second lower surface 1122, and a plurality of first mounting openings 1123 extending upward through the second upper surface 1121 along the second direction A2-A2. The first mounting openings 1123 do not completely penetrate the first front end face 1120 of the first protrusion 112 along the first direction A1-A1. In other words, the first protrusion 112 has a first crossbeam portion 1125 located at the front end of the first mounting opening 1123 to improve the structural strength of the first protrusion 112. The upper surface of the first crossbeam portion 1125 is lower than the second upper surface 1121 of the first protrusion 112. The first protrusion 112 also includes a plurality of first positioning posts 1124 protruding upward through the second upper surface 1121 along the second direction A2-A2. Furthermore, the first housing 11 also includes a first receiving slot 101a extending through the first front end face 1120 along the first direction A1-A1. The first mounting opening 1123 communicates with the first receiving slot 101a. The first receiving slot 101a is configured to at least partially receive the docking module 300.

[0062] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first housing 11 further includes a plurality of first terminal module receiving slots 113 extending along the first direction A1-A1. The first mounting opening 1123 is located at one end (e.g., the front end) of the first terminal module receiving slot 113. Each first terminal module receiving slot 113 extends from a portion of the first base 111 to the first protrusion 112. The rear end of the first terminal module receiving slot 113 communicates with the first mounting slot 1116, the middle portion of the first terminal module receiving slot 113 is surrounded circumferentially by the wall portion of the first housing 11, and the front end of the first terminal module receiving slot 113 extends downward through the second lower surface 1122. Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first terminal module receiving slot 113 includes a first surrounding slot 1131 near the first mounting slot 1116 and a first open slot 1132 away from the first mounting slot 1116. The first surrounding slot 1131 is surrounded circumferentially by the wall of the first housing 11, and the first open slot 1132 communicates with the receiving slot 101. Those skilled in the art will understand that by setting the center of the first terminal module receiving slot 113 to be surrounded circumferentially by the wall of the first housing 11, on the one hand, the conductive terminals located in the first terminal module receiving slot 113 can be better shielded; on the other hand, adjacent first terminal module receiving slots 113 can be better separated, thereby reducing signal crosstalk.

[0063] The plurality of first terminal module receiving slots 113 are arranged at intervals along the third direction A3-A3. The first housing 11 includes a plurality of first partition walls 114 arranged at intervals along the third direction A3-A3. Two adjacent first terminal module receiving slots 113 are separated by corresponding first partition walls 114 along the third direction A3-A3. In this configuration, each first terminal module receiving slot 113 is relatively independent, thereby reducing signal crosstalk and improving the quality of data transmission.

[0064] The first module M1 also includes a first insulating block 21 fixed in the first mounting opening 1123, and the first insulating block 21 is provided with a plurality of first slots 211.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second housing 12 includes a second base 121 and a second protrusion 122 extending forward from the second base 121. The second base 121 has a third upper surface 1211, a third lower surface 1212, a second rear surface 1215, and a plurality of second mounting grooves 1216 recessed forward from the second rear surface 1215. The plurality of second mounting grooves 1216 are arranged at intervals along the third direction A3-A3. The plurality of second mounting grooves 1216 penetrate the second base 121 vertically. The plurality of second mounting grooves 1216 penetrate the third upper surface 1211 upward. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second base 121 also has a plurality of second partition portions 1213, wherein any two adjacent second mounting grooves 1216 are separated by a second partition portion 1213 located between the two second mounting grooves 1216 to improve shielding and improve the quality of signal transmission. The second base 121 also includes a second mounting groove 1210 formed by a downward recess from the third upper surface 1211. Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second mounting groove 1216 extends rearward through the second rear surface 1215, and the second mounting groove 1216 communicates upward with the second mounting recess 1210, which extends upward through the third upper surface 1211. Furthermore, the top of the second base 121 is also provided with at least one second recess 1218 near the second protrusion 122.

[0066] The second protrusion 122 has a fourth upper surface 1221, a fourth lower surface 1222, and a plurality of second mounting openings 1223 extending downward through the fourth lower surface 1222. The second mounting openings 1223 do not completely penetrate the second front end face 1220 of the second protrusion 122. In other words, the second protrusion 122 has a second crossbeam portion 1225 located at the front end of the second mounting opening 1223 to improve the structural strength of the second protrusion 122. The lower surface of the second crossbeam portion 1225 is higher than the fourth lower surface 1222 of the second protrusion 122. The second protrusion 122 also includes a plurality of second positioning posts 1224 protruding downward through the second lower surface 1122. Furthermore, the second housing 12 also includes a second receiving slot 101b extending along the first direction A1-A1 through the second front end face 1220. The second mounting opening 1223 communicates with the second receiving slot 101b. The second receiving slot 101b is configured to at least partially receive the docking module 300.

[0067] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second housing 12 further includes a plurality of second terminal module receiving slots 123 extending along the first direction A1-A1. The second mounting opening 1223 is located at one end (e.g., the front end) of the second terminal module receiving slot 123. Each second terminal module receiving slot 123 extends from the second base 121 to the second protrusion 122. The rear end of the second terminal module receiving slot 123 communicates with the second mounting groove 1216, the middle portion of the second terminal module receiving slot 123 is surrounded circumferentially by the wall portion of the second housing 12, and the front end of the second terminal module receiving slot 123 extends upward through the fourth upper surface 1221. Specifically, in the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second terminal module receiving slot 123 includes a second surrounding slot 1231 near the second mounting slot 1216 and a second open slot 1232 away from the second mounting slot 1216. The second surrounding slot 1231 is surrounded circumferentially by the wall of the second housing 12, and the second open slot 1232 communicates with the receiving slot 101. Those skilled in the art will understand that by setting the center of the second terminal module receiving slot 123 to be surrounded circumferentially by the wall of the second housing 12, on the one hand, the conductive terminals located in the second terminal module receiving slot 123 can be better shielded; on the other hand, adjacent second terminal module receiving slots 123 can be better separated, thereby reducing signal crosstalk.

[0068] The plurality of second terminal module receiving slots 123 are arranged at intervals along the third direction A3-A3. The second housing 12 includes a plurality of second partition walls 124 arranged at intervals along the third direction A3-A3. Two adjacent second terminal module receiving slots 123 are separated by corresponding second partition walls 124 along the third direction A3-A3. In this configuration, each second terminal module receiving slot 123 is relatively independent, thereby reducing signal crosstalk and improving the quality of data transmission.

[0069] The second module M2 also includes a second insulating block 22 fixed in the second mounting opening 1223, and the second insulating block 22 is provided with a plurality of second slots 221.

[0070] The plurality of conductive terminals 3 include a plurality of first conductive terminals 31 and a plurality of second conductive terminals 32. Each first conductive terminal 31 includes a first fixing portion 311 extending along the first direction A1-A1, a first elastic contact arm 310 extending forward from the front end of the first fixing portion 311, and a first tail portion 313 extending rearward from the rear end of the first fixing portion 311. The first fixing portion 311 is at least partially located in the first surrounding groove 1131, the first elastic contact arm 310 is at least partially located in the first open groove 1132, and the first tail portion 313 is at least partially located in the first mounting groove 1116. The first elastic contact arm 310 includes a first contact portion 3101 extending through the first open groove 1132 into the first receiving slot 101a. The first contact portion 3101 is used to contact the first signal contact piece 3041 of the tongue plate 301. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first tail portion 313 extends horizontally rearward to be electrically connected to the first cable 51. Furthermore, the first elastic contact arm 310 also includes a first end portion 3102 extending from the first contact portion 3101. The first end portion 3102 of the first conductive terminal 31 can be received in the first slot 211 when the first elastic contact arm 310 undergoes elastic deformation. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the length of the first end portion 3102 is relatively short to improve resonance and enhance the quality of signal transmission.

[0071] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the plurality of first conductive terminals 31 are divided into several groups, and each group of first conductive terminals 31 includes a first signal terminal S1 and a second signal terminal S2 adjacent to the first signal terminal S1. Preferably, the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2 in each group of first conductive terminals 31 form a differential pair to improve signal transmission speed and is suitable for high-speed signal transmission.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connector 100 further includes a first retaining block 33 fixed to the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2 of each set of first conductive terminals 31. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2 are embedded in the first retaining block 33 to form an integral first terminal module 31a. The first contact portion 3101 of the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2 in each first terminal module 31a abuts against the first signal contact piece 3041 of the mating module 300. The first terminal module 31a is at least partially disposed (e.g., assembled in) the first terminal module receiving groove 113.

[0073] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first retaining block 33 includes a first fixing block 331 fixed to the middle portion of the first fixing part 311 of the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2, and a second fixing block 332 fixed to the rear end of the first fixing part 311 of the first signal terminal S1 and the second signal terminal S2. The first fixing block 331 and the second fixing block 332 are installed and fixed in the first terminal module receiving groove 113, so that the first conductive terminal 31 does not short-circuit with the first housing 11 due to contact. The first tail portion 313 extends rearward into the first mounting groove 1116 to facilitate connection with the first cable 51.

[0074] Similarly, each second conductive terminal 32 includes a second fixing portion 321 extending along the first direction A1-A1, a second resilient contact arm 320 extending forward from the front end of the second fixing portion 321, and a second tail portion 323 extending rearward from the rear end of the second fixing portion 321. The second fixing portion 321 is at least partially located in the second surrounding groove 1231, the second resilient contact arm 320 is at least partially located in the second open groove 1232, and the second tail portion 323 is at least partially located in the second mounting groove 1216. The second resilient contact arm 320 includes a second contact portion 3201 extending through the second open groove 1232 into the second receiving slot 101b. The second contact portion 3201 is used to contact the second signal contact piece 3051 of the tongue plate 301. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second tail portion 323 extends horizontally rearward from the second fixing portion 321 for electrical connection with the second cable 52. Furthermore, the second elastic contact arm 320 also includes a second end portion 3202 extending from the second contact portion 3201. The second end portion 3202 of the second conductive terminal 32 can be received in the second receiving groove 221 when the second elastic contact arm 320 undergoes elastic deformation. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the length of the second end portion 3202 is shorter to improve resonance and enhance the quality of signal transmission. In addition, by providing the slider 81, the risk of the first end portion 3102 and the second end portion 3202 being easily damaged by foreign objects after their lengths are shortened is reduced, thereby improving reliability.

[0075] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the plurality of second conductive terminals 32 are divided into several groups, and each group of second conductive terminals 32 includes a third signal terminal S3 and a fourth signal terminal S4 adjacent to the third signal terminal S3. Preferably, the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4 in each group of second conductive terminals 32 form a differential pair to improve signal transmission speed and is suitable for high-speed signal transmission.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connector 100 further includes a second retaining block 34 fixed to the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4 of each set of second conductive terminals 32. In one embodiment of the present invention, the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4 are embedded in the second retaining block 34 to form an integral second terminal module 32a. The second contact portion 3201 of the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4 in each second terminal module 32a abuts against the second signal contact piece 3051 of the mating module 300. The second terminal module 32a is at least partially disposed (e.g., assembled in) the second terminal module receiving groove 123.

[0077] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second retaining block 34 includes a third fixing block 341 fixed to the middle of the second fixing portion 321 of the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4, and a fourth fixing block 342 fixed to the rear end of the second fixing portion 321 of the third signal terminal S3 and the fourth signal terminal S4. The third fixing block 341 and the fourth fixing block 342 are installed and fixed in the second terminal module receiving groove 123, so that the second conductive terminal 32 does not short-circuit with the second housing 12 due to contact. The second tail portion 323 extends rearward into the second mounting groove 1216 to facilitate connection with the second cable 52.

[0078] In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connector 100 further includes at least one grounding piece 4 mounted on the housing 1. One end of the grounding piece 4 is fixed relative to the housing 1, and the grounding piece 4 includes a first grounding piece 41 and a second grounding piece 42. In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, there are two first grounding pieces 41 made of metal; there are also two second grounding pieces 42 made of metal.

[0079] Each first grounding plate 41 is generally U-shaped and includes a first mounting plate 411, a second mounting plate 412 opposite to the first mounting plate 411, a first connecting plate 413 connecting one side of the first mounting plate 411 and one side of the second mounting plate 412, and a first extension plate 414 extending downward and rearward from the other side of the second mounting plate 412. The first mounting plate 411 has a first mounting positioning hole 4111 that mates with the first positioning post 1124. The first extension plate 414 is received in a first groove 1118 of the corresponding first housing 11.

[0080] The first connecting plate 413 is located at the front end of the receiving slot 101 along the first direction A1-A1; when the docking module 300 is inserted, the tongue plate 301 may first contact the first connecting plate 413, thereby facilitating the release of static electricity. The second mounting plate 412 is provided with a plurality of first grounding spring arms 415 arranged at intervals along the third direction A3-A3. Each set of first conductive terminals 31 has a first grounding spring arm 415 on both sides of the first elastic contact arm 310, so as to improve the shielding effect and improve the quality of signal transmission.

[0081] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first positioning post 1124 is fixed to the first mounting positioning hole 4111, thereby fixing the first mounting plate 411 to the second upper surface 1121 of the first protrusion 112.

[0082] Each second grounding plate 42 is generally U-shaped and includes a third mounting plate 421, a fourth mounting plate 422 opposite to the third mounting plate 421, a second connecting plate 423 connecting one side of the third mounting plate 421 and one side of the fourth mounting plate 422, and a second extension plate 424 extending downward and rearward from the other side of the fourth mounting plate 422. The third mounting plate 421 is provided with a second mounting positioning hole 4211 that mates with the second positioning post 1224. The second extension plate 424 is received in a second groove 1218 of the corresponding second housing 12.

[0083] The second connecting plate 423 is located at the front end of the receiving slot 101 along the first direction A1-A1; when the docking module 300 is inserted, the tongue plate 301 may first contact the second connecting plate 423, thereby facilitating the release of static electricity. The fourth mounting plate 422 is provided with a plurality of second grounding spring arms 425 arranged at intervals along the third direction A3-A3. A second grounding spring arm 425 is provided on both sides of the second elastic contact arm 320 of each group of second conductive terminals 32 to improve the shielding effect and improve the quality of signal transmission.

[0084] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second positioning post 1224 is fixed to the second mounting positioning hole 4211, thereby fixing the third mounting plate 421 to the fourth lower surface 1222 of the second protrusion 122.

[0085] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the first module M1 further includes a first shielding plate 61 and a first shielding cover plate 62 mounted on the first housing 11. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first shielding plate 61 is a metal shielding plate, and the first shielding cover plate 62 is a metal shielding cover plate. The first shielding plate 61 is mounted in the first mounting groove 1110. By mounting the first shielding plate 61, the downwardly open first mounting groove 1116 can be better shielded, thereby improving the shielding effect.

[0086] In the embodiment illustrated in the present invention, the second module M2 further includes a second shielding plate 63 and a second shielding cover plate 64 mounted on the second housing 12. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second shielding plate 63 is a metal shielding plate, and the second shielding cover plate 64 is a metal shielding cover plate. The second shielding plate 63 is mounted in the second mounting groove 1210. By mounting the second shielding plate 63, the downwardly open second mounting groove 1216 can be better shielded, thereby improving the shielding effect.

[0087] Please combine Figure 15 As shown in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, after the lengths of the first end portion 3102 and the second end portion 3202 are shortened, the distance T2 between the lower pointed corner of the first end portion 3102 and the upper pointed corner of the second end portion 3202 along the second direction A2-A2 is less than the thickness T3 of the tongue plate 301 along the second direction A2-A2. Furthermore, the thickness T1 of the constricted portion 3013 along the second direction A2-A2 is less than the distance T2 between the lower pointed corner of the first end portion 3102 and the upper pointed corner of the second end portion 3202 along the second direction A2-A2.

[0088] Please combine Figures 12 to 17As shown, in use, when the docking module 300 is inserted into the receiving slot 101, the first guide slope 3013c and the second guide slope 3013d are configured to abut against the first contact portion 3101 and the second contact portion 3201, respectively; the retractable portion 3013 is configured to be inserted between the first contact portion 3101 and the second contact portion 3201; the first contact portion 3101 and the second contact portion 3201 are configured to be elastically deformed outward by being squeezed by the docking module 300 along the first guide surface 3012a and the second guide surface 3012b, respectively; the first contact portion 3101 and the second contact portion 3201 are configured to pass over the first guide surface 3012a and the second guide surface 3012b, respectively, to contact the first contact piece 304 and the second contact piece 305 and achieve electrical connection. This configuration improves resonance and signal transmission quality by shortening the lengths of the first end portion 3102 and the second end portion 3202. Furthermore, the optimized design of the docking module 300 allows it to extend the first elastic contact arm 310 and the second elastic contact arm 320 outwards in stages when inserted into the receiving slot 101. This reduces the risk of the first end portion 3102 and the second end portion 3202 being damaged by foreign objects after their lengths are shortened, thus improving reliability.

[0089] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. The understanding of the present invention should be based on those skilled in the art. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, characterized in that, include: An electrical connector, the electrical connector comprising: A housing having a receiving slot extending in a first direction; A first terminal module, at least partially disposed in the housing, the first terminal module including a plurality of first conductive terminals, each first conductive terminal including a first resilient contact arm, the first resilient contact arm including a first contact portion, the first contact portion protruding into the receiving slot; and A second terminal module, at least partially disposed in the housing, includes a plurality of second conductive terminals, each second conductive terminal including a second elastic contact arm, the second elastic contact arm including a second contact portion protruding into the receiving slot; the first contact portion and the second contact portion are respectively located on both sides of the receiving slot along a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; and A docking module is provided with a tongue plate, a plurality of first contact pieces located on one side of the tongue plate, and a plurality of second contact pieces located on the other side of the tongue plate. The tongue plate is provided with a base, a transition portion connected to the base, and a contraction portion connected to the transition portion. The thickness of the contraction portion along the second direction is less than the thickness of the base along the second direction. The transition portion is provided with a first guide surface and a second guide surface. When the docking module is inserted into the receiving slot, the retractable portion is configured to be inserted between the first contact portion and the second contact portion; the first contact portion and the second contact portion are configured to be elastically deformed outward by being squeezed along the first guide surface and the second guide surface, respectively; the first contact portion and the second contact portion are configured to extend beyond the first guide surface and the second guide surface, respectively, to contact the first contact piece and the second contact piece and achieve electrical connection.

2. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The contraction portion includes a first flat surface and a second flat surface that is opposite to the first flat surface along the second direction; The base includes a third flat surface and a fourth flat surface opposite to the third flat surface along the second direction; The first guide surface connects the first flat surface and the third flat surface, and the second guide surface connects the second flat surface and the fourth flat surface.

3. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The first guide surface smoothly connects the first flat surface and the third flat surface, and the second guide surface smoothly connects the second flat surface and the fourth flat surface.

4. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: The first guide surface and the first flat surface are transitioned by an arc, the first guide surface and the third flat surface are transitioned by an arc, the second guide surface and the second flat surface are transitioned by an arc, and the second guide surface and the fourth flat surface are transitioned by an arc.

5. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The distance between the third flat surface and the fourth flat surface along the second direction is greater than the distance between the first flat surface and the second flat surface along the second direction.

6. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: The contraction section is provided with a first guide slope and a second guide slope at its end, and the first guide slope and the second guide slope are configured to abut against the first contact section and the second contact section, respectively.

7. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The housing includes a first conductive housing and a second conductive housing, which are separately disposed and fixed together to form the receiving slot. The first conductive terminal does not contact the first conductive housing, and the second conductive terminal does not contact the second conductive housing.

8. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The electrical connector further includes a first grounding plate fixed to the first conductive housing. The first grounding plate includes a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate opposite to the first mounting plate, and a first connecting plate connecting one side of the first mounting plate and one side of the second mounting plate. The second mounting plate is provided with a first grounding spring arm protruding into the receiving slot. The first grounding spring arm is configured to abut against the docking module.

9. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that: The electrical connector includes a second grounding plate fixed to the second conductive housing. The second grounding plate includes a third mounting plate, a fourth mounting plate opposite to the third mounting plate, and a second connecting plate connecting one side of the third mounting plate and one side of the fourth mounting plate. The fourth mounting plate is provided with a second grounding spring arm protruding into the receiving slot. The second grounding spring arm is configured to abut against the docking module.

10. The connector assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical connector includes a first cable connected to the first conductive terminal and a second cable connected to the second conductive terminal.

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