Card edge connector

Abstract

The invention provides a card edge connector, which is used for butting an electronic card and comprises a seat body, a plurality of terminals and a movable unit, the seat body is provided with a body part and tower parts at left and right ends, the tower parts are higher than the body part, and a slot penetrates through the body part and the tower parts; the terminal is arranged on the body part, exposed in the slot and used for being electrically connected with the electronic card, and the left end tower part is provided with an ear clip, can be rotatably opened and closed and is provided with a buckling part and an actuating part; the movable unit is arranged on the seat body and comprises a clamping part and a matching part, the clamping part is arranged on the right end tower part, when the ear clip is rotated to the closed position from the open position, the buckling part locks the electronic card, and meanwhile, the actuating part pushes the matching part to drive the clamping part to move leftwards to lock the card; when the ear clip is opened, the actuating part pushes the matching part to move rightwards, and the matching part drives the clamping part to move rightwards so as to contact the clamping of the electronic card. Not only is the occupied space reduced, but also the card withdrawing action is completed with a smaller rotation angle and smoother operation through the linkage design of the movable unit and the ear clip, and scratches on the two sides of a golden finger on the electronic card are reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a snap-fit ​​connector, and more particularly to a snap-fit ​​connector with a single lug for space saving. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of electronic equipment such as servers and data centers, card edge connectors are widely used to connect electronic cards with gold fingers, such as memory modules and expansion cards. Traditional card edge connectors typically consist of a main body (or insulating body) with a slot extending longitudinally in the left-right direction. Multiple conductive terminals are located on the front and back sides of the slot. When an electronic card is inserted into the slot, its gold fingers contact the terminals to achieve electrical connection. To secure the electronic card and facilitate its insertion and removal, these connectors generally have locking and ejection mechanisms. A common solution uses two latches, pivotally connected to the left and right ends of the slot, respectively. Each latch typically serves as both a latching part and an ejection part. When locking the card, the latching part engages with the edge of the electronic card; when ejecting the card, both latches are pressed simultaneously to rotate them, releasing the latching part and simultaneously pushing the electronic card upwards to complete the ejection operation.

[0003] However, this dual-ear design has a significant drawback: it requires additional space on both sides of the connector. As server motherboard integration increases and onboard component density rises, the available space for connector placement becomes increasingly limited. Due to its space requirements, the dual-ear design can no longer meet the urgent need for compact layouts in modern server motherboards.

[0004] To address this challenge, the industry has shifted to a single-ear buckle design, placing a single ear buckle at one end of the connector to significantly reduce space requirements. For example, a Chinese utility model patent, CN200920313018.1, discloses a solution that uses a locking component formed by bending a metal rod. This locking component has an elastic locking part that can elastically deform and automatically engage with the card slot during electronic card insertion, achieving a secure lock without manual operation, thus simplifying the process to some extent.

[0005] However, the single-ear buckle solution of this utility model patent has a new technical problem: its locking component is an independent elastic element that remains stationary during the card ejection process. When the user pries the ear buckle to eject the card, although the card ejection part of the ear buckle immediately begins to push the electronic card, the other side of the electronic card is still tightly fastened by the stationary locking component. The electronic card must first overcome this fastening force and tilt and shift before it can be released from the locking component. This passive mechanism of "pulling the card and tilting to unlock" results in greater resistance in the initial stage of card ejection, making the operation less smooth and effortless. In order to achieve sufficient tilting unlocking, the ear buckle still needs a large rotation angle, failing to fully utilize the operational advantages of the single ear buckle in a compact space. Furthermore, the large rotation of the ear buckle causes the electronic card to tilt significantly, which can easily cause the edges of the gold fingers on both sides of the electronic card that contact the conductive terminals to be scratched by the conductive terminals during the subsequent card removal process.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to design a new single-ear snap-fit ​​connector to overcome the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the problems of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a new card edge connector that can meet the requirements of a compact space layout and, through optimized linkage design, complete the card ejection action with a smaller rotation angle and smoother, less strenuous operation, thereby reducing scratches on both sides of the gold fingers on the electronic card.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a card edge connector for mating with an electronic card, comprising: a base, the base including a main body extending longitudinally in a left-right direction and two tower portions located at the left and right ends of the main body, the base having a slot extending on the main body and the tower portions, the tower portions protruding above the main body, the slot being located on the portion of the tower portions protruding above the main body for guiding the electronic card downwardly into the main body, the tower portion located at the left end of the main body being defined as the first tower portion, and the other tower portion as the second tower portion; a plurality of terminals disposed on the main body and exposed in the slot, the plurality of terminals being used to contact the electronic card to achieve electrical connection; and an ear clip pivotally connected to the first tower portion and switching between a closed position and an open position, including a latching portion and a... An actuating part is provided, wherein the fastening part is used to lock the card; a movable unit is provided on the base body, including a locking part and a mating part, wherein the locking part is provided on the second tower part and is used to lock the electronic card, and the mating part cooperates and links with the actuating part so that the locking part can move left and right as the ear buckle rotates; the ear buckle rotates from the open position to the closed position and locks the electronic card inserted into the slot. During this process, the fastening part locks the electronic card, the actuating part pushes the mating part to move to the left, and the locking part also moves to the left to lock the electronic card; during the process of the ear buckle rotating from the closed position to the open position, the ear buckle disengages from the electronic card, the actuating part pushes the mating part to move to the right, and the locking part moves to the right with the movement of the mating part, thereby disengaging from the electronic card.

[0009] Furthermore, the angle between the closed position and the open position is 25°.

[0010] Furthermore, the ear clip also includes a card ejection part. Both the card ejection part and the actuating part are located below the fastening part. The card ejection part is closer to the second tower part than the actuating part. The card ejection part is used to push the electronic card to achieve card ejection. The first tower part is provided with a first mounting groove, and the second tower part is provided with a second mounting groove. The first mounting groove and the second mounting groove both penetrate vertically through the corresponding tower parts and communicate with the slot. The ear clip is received in the first mounting groove, the actuating part is exposed downward in the first mounting groove, and the fastening part is received in the second mounting groove and can move left and right within the second mounting groove. The movable unit includes at least one movable wall, a first extension part and a second extension part connected to the movable wall. The movable wall extends longitudinally in the left and right direction and is located outside the slot. The first extension part and the second extension part are located on the left and right sides of the main body. The first extension part extends to the first tower part, the actuating part is connected to the first extension part, the second extension part extends to the second tower part, and the fastening part is connected to the second extension part.

[0011] Furthermore, the mating part is a through groove that runs vertically through the first extension part. The mating part includes two groove walls spaced apart on the left and right. The actuating part protrudes downward into the mating part. The groove wall on the left is defined as the first groove wall, and the groove wall on the right is defined as the second groove wall. The actuating part includes a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other on the left and right. The first side is used to abut against and push the first groove wall to the left, so that the engaging part moves to the left and locks the electronic card. The second side is used to abut against and push the second groove wall to the right, so that the engaging part moves to the right and disengages from the electronic card.

[0012] Furthermore, the ear clip includes a plastic part and a metal reinforcement, the metal reinforcement being inlaid in the plastic part, and the metal reinforcement having an actuating portion that protrudes downward from the plastic part.

[0013] Furthermore, the first extension also includes a clearance groove and a connecting portion. The clearance groove extends vertically through the first extension. The connecting portion is located between the mating portion and the clearance groove, and separates the clearance groove from the mating portion laterally. The retraction portion is exposed downward in the clearance groove. The metal reinforcement includes a recess and a stop portion that expose the plastic part downward. The recess extends through the metal reinforcement front and back and is formed between the actuating portion and the stop portion. The top wall of the recess is located above the bottom surface of the connecting portion and the retraction portion. The stop portion is closer to the retraction portion in the left-right direction relative to the actuating portion and is located below the retraction portion and received in the clearance groove.

[0014] Furthermore, the active unit is integrally formed from a metal sheet.

[0015] Furthermore, the second extension is located below the second tower portion, and the movable unit includes a spring piece housed in the second mounting slot. The spring piece is integrally connected to the second extension portion, and the engaging portion is formed on the spring piece.

[0016] Furthermore, each of the tower sections is provided with two slots spaced apart front and back, the slots extending downward through the corresponding tower section. The electrical connector is mounted downward on a circuit board and includes two fixing feet, which are installed one-to-one with the two tower sections. Each fixing foot includes a base, two fixing parts extending upward from the base, and a solder foot located below the base. The two fixing parts of each fixing foot are received and fixed in the corresponding two slots, and the solder foot is welded downward to the circuit board. The fixing foot installed in the first tower section is defined as the first fixing foot, and the fixing foot installed in the second tower section is defined as the second fixing foot. A portion of the first extension is mounted above the base of the first fixing foot and supported upward thereon, and a portion of the second extension is mounted above the base of the second fixing foot and supported upward thereon.

[0017] Furthermore, the two fixing portions of the first fixing foot pass upward through the first extension to restrict the front-back displacement of the first extension, and the first fixing foot is located on the left side of the actuating part; the two fixing portions of the second fixing foot pass upward through the second extension to restrict its front-back displacement, and the two fixing portions of the second fixing foot are located on the front and rear sides of the spring piece.

[0018] Furthermore, the movable unit includes two movable walls arranged opposite each other in the front and rear directions. The two movable walls are located on the front and rear sides of the seat body and are spaced apart from the seat body respectively. The first extension and the second extension are integrally connected to the two movable walls in the front-rear direction.

[0019] Furthermore, the spring has a through hole that extends through the spring from both sides to accommodate a portion of the electronic card, and the engaging portion is formed at the top of the through hole.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: By pivoting a rotating ear clip at the first tower section and eliminating the ear clip at the second tower section, the space occupied by the ear clip rotation is reduced. Instead, a movable unit linked to the ear clip is provided on the base. The engaging part of the movable unit is located at the second tower section, and the actuating part of the ear clip cooperates with the engaging part of the movable unit, establishing the basic framework of a "rotation-translation" linkage mechanism. When the user pries the ear clip, two sub-actions can be triggered simultaneously: the ear clip itself disengages from the electronic card, and the movable unit drives the engaging part on the opposite side to disengage. The two actions are performed synchronously, achieving card ejection with a smaller rotation angle, reducing scratches on both sides of the gold fingers on the electronic card, and ensuring a smooth card ejection process.

[0021] The present invention also provides a card edge connector for mating with an electronic card, comprising: a base, the base including a main body extending longitudinally in a left-right direction and two towers located at the left and right ends of the main body, the base having a slot extending on the main body and the towers, the towers being higher than the main body, the slot being located at the portion of the towers higher than the main body for guiding the electronic card downwardly into the main body, the tower located at the left end of the main body being defined as a first tower, and the other tower being defined as a second tower; a plurality of terminals located on the main body and exposed in the slot, the plurality of terminals being used to contact the electronic card to achieve electrical connection; an ear clip pivotally connected to the first tower and switching between a closed position and an open position, including a locking part, a card ejection part and an actuating part, the locking part being used to lock the card, the card ejection part being used to switch between a closed position and an open position, the ear clip including a locking part, a card ejection part and an actuating part, the locking part being used to lock the card, the card ejection part being used to switch between a closed position and an open position ... The card part is used to push the electronic card to achieve card ejection; a movable unit is provided on the base body, including a locking part and a mating part. The locking part is provided on the second tower part and is used to lock the electronic card. The mating part cooperates and links with the actuating part so that the locking part can move left and right as the ear buckle rotates; the ear buckle rotates from the open position to the closed position and locks the electronic card inserted into the slot. During this process, the locking part locks the electronic card, the actuating part pushes the mating part to the left, and the locking part also moves to the left to lock the electronic card; during the process of the ear buckle rotating from the closed position to the open position, the ear buckle disengages from the electronic card, the card ejection part pushes the electronic card, the actuating part pushes the mating part to the right, and the locking part moves to the right with the movement of the mating part, thereby disengaging from the electronic card.

[0022] Furthermore, the angle between the closed position and the open position is 25°.

[0023] Furthermore, the ear clip includes a plastic part and a metal reinforcement, the metal reinforcement being inlaid in the plastic part, and the metal reinforcement having an actuating portion protruding from the plastic part.

[0024] Furthermore, the movable unit is integrally bent from a metal sheet and includes two movable walls sleeved on the outside of the base, a first extension and a second extension connecting the two movable walls, and a spring piece housed within the second tower. The two movable walls are located on the front and rear sides of the base, the first extension is located directly below the first tower, the second extension is located directly below the second tower and connects to the spring piece, the mating part extends vertically through the first extension, and the engaging part extends horizontally through the spring piece.

[0025] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: By pivoting a rotating ear clip at the first tower section and eliminating the ear clip at the second tower section, the space occupied by the ear clip rotation is reduced. Instead, a movable unit linked to the ear clip is provided on the base. The engaging part of the movable unit is located at the second tower section, and the actuating part of the ear clip cooperates with the engaging part of the movable unit, establishing the basic framework of a "rotation-translation" linkage mechanism. When the user pries the ear clip, three sub-actions can be triggered simultaneously: the ear clip itself disengages from the electronic card, the movable unit drives the engaging part on the opposite side to disengage, and the card ejection part of the ear clip pushes the electronic card. All three actions are performed simultaneously, achieving card ejection with a smaller rotation angle, reducing scratches on both sides of the gold fingers on the electronic card, and ensuring a smooth and effortless card ejection process. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional assembly diagram of the card edge connector after it has been connected to an electronic card and a circuit board according to a specific embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 3D exploded view of the Zhongkayuan connector before it is connected to the electronic card and circuit board; Figure 3 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the Sino-Kazakh edge connector from another perspective; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of part A in the image; Figure 5 for Figure 3 A magnified view of part B in the image; Figure 6 for Figure 3 The image shows a stereoscopic view of the active unit from only one perspective. Figure 7 for Figure 2 A top view of the assembled card edge connector with the ear latches in the open position; Figure 8 for Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the center-side connector along the CC direction; Figure 9 for Figure 8 A magnified view of part of F; Figure 10 for Figure 8 A magnified view of a portion of G; Figure 11 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view showing the ear latch of the display card edge connector in the closed position, which moves the movable unit to the left to lock the card. Figure 12 for Figure 11 A magnified view of part of H; Figure 13 for Figure 11 A magnified view of part I; Figure 14 for Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the center-side connector along the DD direction; Figure 15 for Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the center-edge connector along the EE direction.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the accompanying drawings for the specific implementation methods: Detailed Implementation To facilitate a better understanding of the purpose, structure, and features of this invention, the invention defines a left-right direction (X), a front-back direction (Y), and a top-bottom direction (Z), which are mutually perpendicular. The invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 15 The image shows a specific embodiment of the card edge connector 100 of the present invention.

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the card edge connector 100 is used to mate with an electronic card 200 and to be fixed downward to a circuit board 300. In this invention, the card edge connector 100 is a DDR connector. The card edge connector 100 includes a base 1, multiple terminals 2, a movable unit 3, an ear clip 4, and two fixing feet 5.

[0030] like Figure 2As shown, the base 1 includes a main body 11, two towers 12 located on the left and right sides of the main body 11, a slot 13, and a cap 14. The main body 11 and the two towers 12 are integrally molded from plastic material. In other embodiments, the towers 12 can also be assembled to the main body 11. The main body 11 extends longitudinally in the left and right direction. A plurality of terminals 2 are provided on the main body 11. The slot 13 is recessed from the upper surface of the main body 11 and extends to the two towers 12 in the left and right direction for the electronic card 200 to be inserted.

[0031] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the tower portion 12 is higher than the body portion 11. The slot 13 is located on the portion of the tower portion 12 that is higher than the body portion 11 to guide the electronic card 200 downward into the body portion 11. The two fixing feet are installed on the two tower portions 12 one by one. The tower portion 12 located on the left side of the body portion 11 is defined as the first tower portion 12a, and the tower portion 12 located on the right side of the body portion 11 is defined as the second tower portion 12b. The cap 14 is installed on the second tower portion 12b, and the cap 14 is also provided with a slot (unlabeled) to guide the electronic card 200 into the body portion 11.

[0032] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, both the first tower section 12a and the second tower section 12b are provided with vertically penetrating mounting grooves. The two mounting grooves are respectively connected to the slot 13. The mounting groove of the first tower section 12a is defined as the first mounting groove 121, and the mounting groove of the second tower section 12b is defined as the second mounting groove 122.

[0033] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the first mounting groove 121 is used to accommodate the ear clip 4. Specifically, the ear clip 4 is mounted in the first mounting groove 121 and pivotally connected to the first tower portion 12a. It can be switched between a closed position L1 and an open position L2 by rotation. In this embodiment, the angle between the closed position L1 and the open position L2 is 25°, so that the snap-edge connector 100 can be easily operated even in an extremely compact space.

[0034] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, each of the tower sections 12 is provided with two slots 123 spaced apart from each other. The slots 123 penetrate downward through the corresponding tower section 12. The two slots 123 of each tower section 12 are used to insert a corresponding fixing foot 5.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, multiple terminals 2 are exposed on the front and rear sides of the slot 13 corresponding to the body part 11. When the electronic card 200 is connected to the card edge connector 100, the multiple terminals 2 are electrically connected to the electronic card 200.

[0036] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the movable unit 3 is integrally formed from a metal sheet, resulting in a robust structure and convenient installation. The movable unit 3 includes two opposing movable walls 31, a first extension 32 and a second extension 33 connecting the two movable walls 31, and a spring piece 34 integrally connected to the second extension 33. The surfaces of the movable walls 31 extend vertically, and the two movable walls 31 are located on the front and rear outer sides of the slot 13. The two movable walls 31 ensure more balanced force distribution and smoother movement of the movable unit 3, effectively preventing jamming or tilting problems that may occur due to unilateral force, thus improving the reliability and stability of the movable unit 3. In other embodiments, the movable unit 3 may also have only one movable wall 31.

[0037] like Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 15 As shown, the two movable walls 31 are located on the front and rear sides of the base 1, and are spaced apart from the base 1. In other embodiments, the movable walls 31 can also be located at the bottom of the base 1, that is, the movable walls 31 are located outside the slot 13. The first extension 32 and the second extension 33 are located on the left and right sides of the main body 11, and are integrally connected to the two movable walls 31 in the front-rear direction.

[0038] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the first extension 32 bends from the movable wall 31 and extends horizontally to the first tower portion 12a, and is located below the first tower portion 12a. The first extension 32 includes a first support portion 321, a connecting portion 322, a mating portion 323, and a clearance groove 324. The mating portion 323 and the clearance groove 324 both extend vertically through the first extension 32, and the connecting portion 322 is located between the mating portion 323 and the clearance groove 324, separating them laterally. The first support portion 321 is located to the left of the mating portion 323 and is mounted directly above one of the fixed feet 5 to support the first extension 32.

[0039] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the mating part 323 is a through groove that is closed on all four sides, located to the left of the relief groove 324, and communicating vertically with the first mounting groove 121. The mating part 323 allows a portion of the ear clip 4 to enter. The mating part 323 includes two groove walls spaced apart on the left and right sides. The groove wall on the left side is defined as the first groove wall 3241, and the groove wall on the right side is defined as the second groove wall 3242 (see reference). Figure 8 and Figure 9 ).

[0040] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the second extension 33 bends from the movable wall 31 and extends horizontally to the second tower portion 12b, and is located below the second tower portion 12b. The second extension 33 includes a horizontally extending second support portion 331 and two second clearance openings 332 spaced apart front to back. Along the front-back direction, the second support portion 331 is located between the two second clearance openings 332, and the second support portion 331 is supported downward by another fixed foot 5. The second clearance openings 332 extend vertically through the second extension 33.

[0041] like Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, the spring piece 34 extends upward from the side of the second extension 33 away from the slot 13 in the left-right direction. The spring piece 34 includes a through hole 341, which extends through the spring piece 34 in the left and right directions. The spring piece 34 forms a natural guiding and snapping area. The spring piece 34 forms a guiding structure above the through hole 341.

[0042] like Figure 11 and Figure 13 As shown, when the electronic card 200 is inserted into the slot 13, the edge of the electronic card 200 easily slides into the perforation 341, thereby accommodating a portion of the electronic card 200. A locking portion 342 is formed at the top of the perforation 341 to lock the electronic card 200 in place. The locking portion 342 is received in the second mounting groove 122 and is linked to the second extension 33. The locking portion 342 can move left and right within the second mounting groove 122 as the second extension 33 moves.

[0043] like Figure 2 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the ear clip 4 is composed of a plastic part 4a and a metal reinforcing member 4b embedded in the plastic part 4a, including a fastening part 41, a retraction part 42 and an actuating part 43. In other embodiments, the ear clip 4 may not have the metal reinforcing member 4b and may be integrally molded from plastic material.

[0044] like Figure 8 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the fastening part 41 is located above the first tower part 12a and is used to lock the card. The card ejection part 42 is located below the fastening part 41 and is exposed downward in the relief groove 324, used to push the electronic card 200 upward. When the electronic card 200 is inserted into the slot 13, the ear buckle 3 is pried inward, and the ear buckle 3 rotates from the open position L2 to the closed position L1. The fastening part 41 engages downward with the left edge (not labeled) of the electronic card 200, thereby locking the card. In other embodiments, the ear buckle 4 may not have the card ejection part 42, but instead has a card ejection part for pushing the card out of the movable unit 3.

[0045] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the actuating part 43 is located below the fastening part 41 and to the left of the unfastening part 42. The actuating part 43 is provided on the metal reinforcing member 4b and protrudes downward from the plastic part 4a, that is, the metal reinforcing member 4b has the actuating part 43. The actuating part 43 is exposed downward in the first mounting groove 121 and protrudes downward into the mating part 323. The actuating part 43 is connected to the first extension part 32.

[0046] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the actuating part 43 includes a first side 431 and a second side 432 arranged opposite to each other. The first side 431 is used to abut against the first groove wall 3241, and the second side 432 is used to abut against the second groove wall 3242.

[0047] like Figures 11 to 13 As shown, when the electronic card 200 is fully engaged with the card edge connector 100, the ear buckle 4 is rotated to the closed position L1, and the fastening part 41 engages with the notch (unlabeled) formed on the left edge of the electronic card 200, so as to realize the engagement of the ear buckle 4 with the electronic card 200; at the same time, the first side 431 of the actuating part 43 abuts against and pushes the first groove wall 3241 to the left, the spring piece 34 moves to the left, driving the engaging part 342 to move to the left and engage with the notch (unlabeled) formed on the right edge of the electronic card 200, thereby realizing the complete engagement of the electronic card 200.

[0048] like Figures 8 to 10As shown, when it is necessary to remove the card, the ear buckle 4 is pried outward, causing the fastening part 41 to rotate from the closed position L1 to the open position L2. During this process, the left edge of the electronic card 200 will disengage from the fastening part 41. The card ejection part 42 pushes the electronic card 200 upward as the ear buckle 4 rotates, thereby slightly lifting the left side of the bottom of the electronic card 200. At the same time, the second side 432 abuts against and pushes the second groove wall 3242 to the right, causing the fastening part 342 to move to the right and disengage from the electronic card 200, thereby realizing the fastening of the electronic card 200 with the card edge connector 100.

[0049] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the metal reinforcement 4b further includes a recess 44 and a stop 45 that expose the plastic part 4a downwards. The recess 44 extends through the metal reinforcement 4b from front to back and is formed between the actuating part 43 and the stop 45 in the left-right direction. The top wall of the recess 44 is located above the bottom surface of the connecting part 322 and the ejection part 42. The stop 45 is closer to the ejection part 42 in the left-right direction than the actuating part 43, and is located below the ejection part 42 and received in the relief groove 324. That is, the metal reinforcement 4b is located in the... The recess 44 exposes a deeper surface of the plastic part 4a than the plastic surface of the ejector part 42. The relief groove 324 provides an independent movement space for the ejector part 42, ensuring that the up-and-down pushing action of the ejector part 42 and the left-and-right movement of the movable unit 3 do not interfere with each other. It also facilitates the sealing of the metal reinforcement 4b after it is injected into the plastic part 4a. If there were no obstruction from the middle stop part 45, the liquid plastic would flow into the recess 44 (middle groove) during injection molding, affecting the cooperation between the actuating part 43 and the movable unit 3.

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, each of the fixing feet 5 is integrally formed of metal material for downward soldering to the circuit board 300. The structures of the two fixing feet 5 are different. The fixing foot installed on the first tower part 12a is defined as the first fixing foot 5a, and the fixing foot installed on the second tower part 12b is defined as the second fixing foot 5b. Each fixing foot 5 includes a base 51, two fixing parts 52 extending upward from the base 51, and a solder foot 53 located below the base 51. The solder foot 53 is downwardly soldered and fixed to the circuit board 300.

[0051] like Figure 7 and Figure 14As shown, the two fixing parts 52 of the first fixing foot 5a pass upward through the first extension 32 and are received and fixed in the corresponding two slots 123. The two fixing parts 52 of the first fixing foot 5a are located on the front and rear sides of the first support 321, restricting the front and rear displacement of the first extension 32. The base 51 of the first fixing foot 5a abuts against the first support 321 to support the movable unit 3.

[0052] like Figure 7 and Figure 15 As shown, the two fixing parts 52 of the second fixing foot 5b pass upward through the second extension 33 and are received and fixed in the corresponding two slots 123. The two fixing parts 52 of the second fixing foot 5b are located on the front and rear sides of the second support 331, restricting the front and rear displacement of the second extension 33. The base 51 of the second fixing foot 5b abuts against the second support 331 to support the movable unit 3.

[0053] The card edge connector of the present invention also has the following beneficial effects: 1. By pivoting and rotating the ear clip 4 in the first tower part 12a, and not setting the ear clip 4 in the second tower part 12b, the space occupied by the rotation of the ear clip 4 is reduced. Instead, the movable unit 3 linked with the ear clip 4 is set in the base body 1. The engaging part 342 of the movable unit 3 is set in the second tower part 12b, and the actuating part 43 of the ear clip 4 cooperates with the cooperating part 323 of the movable unit 3. This establishes the basic framework of the "rotation-translation" linkage mechanism. When the user pries the ear clip 4, three sub-actions can be triggered simultaneously: the ear clip 4 itself disengages from the electronic card 200, the movable unit 3 drives the engaging part 342 on the opposite side to disengage, and the card ejection part 42 of the ear clip 4 pushes the electronic card 200. The three actions are carried out simultaneously, achieving card ejection with a smaller rotation angle and ensuring a smooth and effortless card ejection process, while reducing scratches on the gold fingers on the front and back sides of the electronic card 200.

[0054] 2. The ear clip 4 can be rotated to open and close at an angle of 25°, which allows the edge connector 100 to be easily operated even in an extremely compact space.

[0055] 3. The metal reinforcement 4b is inlaid in the plastic part 4a, and the actuating part 43 is disposed on the metal reinforcement 4b. The metal reinforcement 4b replaces the actuating part 43 of the plastic material, ensuring that the small actuating part 43 will not break or deform due to plastic fatigue during long-term and repeated pushing actions, which greatly improves the durability and product life of the ear clip 4; and the metal reinforcement 4b is not easy to wear, and can maintain a precise fit gap between the actuating part 43 and the mating part 323 for a long time, ensuring that the linkage effect is always consistent.

[0056] 4. By setting the downward protruding stop 45 and forming the through recess 44 on the metal reinforcement 4b, a key sealing structure is provided for the insert injection molding process of the ear clip 4. This structure can effectively prevent liquid plastic from flowing into and covering the area of ​​the actuator 43 that requires precise fit during high-pressure injection, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the dimensions of the actuator 43 and the direct exposure of the metal surface, and ensuring the reliability and long-term stability of the linkage between the actuator 43 and the moving unit 3.

[0057] 5. The integrally formed metal parts have excellent rigidity. Therefore, the movable unit 3 is integrally formed from metal sheet, which can ensure that there is no delay or loss in the force transmission from the first extension 32 to the second extension 33, so that the movements of the left and right sides are highly synchronized. Moreover, the integral structure is more robust than the spliced ​​structure and can better withstand repeated operating stress. As an integral component, the movable unit 3 is very easy to install, which improves production efficiency.

[0058] 6. By mounting the active unit 3 above the base 51 of the fixed foot, the fixed foot provides a stable mounting reference and support for this key transmission component, ensuring smooth horizontal movement and preventing it from sinking or misaligning due to force; the fixed foot firmly fixes the entire card edge connector 100 to the circuit board 300, preventing the card edge connector 100 from loosening when inserting or removing the card.

[0059] 7. The movable unit 3 includes two movable walls 31 arranged opposite each other. This symmetrical design of the two movable walls 31 makes the force on the movable unit 3 more balanced and the movement more stable, effectively preventing the jamming or tilting problems that may be caused by unilateral force, and improving the reliability and stability of the movable unit 3.

[0060] 8. The perforation 341 is provided on the spring piece 34, the spring piece 34 forms a natural guide above the perforation 341, and a snap-fit ​​area is formed at the top of the perforation 341, so that the edge of the electronic card 200 can easily slide into the perforation 341.

[0061] The above detailed description is only an illustration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the patent scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made using the content of this invention's specification and illustrations are included within the patent scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A card edge connector for mating with an electronic card, characterized in that, include: A body, the body comprising a main body extending longitudinally in a left-right direction and two tower portions located at the left and right ends of the main body, the body having a slot extending on the main body and the tower portions, the tower portions being higher than the main body, the slot being located on the portion of the tower portions that are higher than the main body for guiding the electronic card downwardly into the main body, the tower portion located at the left end of the main body being defined as the first tower portion, and the other tower portion being defined as the second tower portion; Multiple terminals are provided on the main body and exposed in the slot, and the multiple terminals are used to contact the electronic card to achieve electrical connection; An ear clip, which is pivotally connected to the first tower part and switches between a closed position and an open position, includes a fastening part and an actuating part, wherein the fastening part is used to lock the clip; An active unit is provided on the base body, including a locking part and a mating part. The locking part is provided on the second tower part and is used to lock the electronic card. The mating part cooperates and links with the actuating part so that the locking part can move left and right as the ear buckle rotates. The ear clip rotates from the open position to the closed position and engages with the electronic card inserted into the slot. During this process, the fastening part locks the electronic card, the actuating part pushes the mating part to the left, and the engaging part also moves to the left to lock the electronic card. During the process of rotating the ear clip from the closed position to the open position, the ear clip disengages from the electronic card, the actuating part pushes the engaging part to the right, and the engaging part moves to the right along with the moving engaging part, thereby disengaging from the electronic card.

2. The card edge connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle between the closed position and the open position is 25°.

3. The card edge connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ear clip also includes a card ejection part. Both the card ejection part and the actuating part are located below the fastening part. The card ejection part is closer to the second tower part than the actuating part. The card ejection part is used to push the electronic card to achieve card ejection. The first tower part is provided with a first mounting groove, and the second tower part is provided with a second mounting groove. The first mounting groove and the second mounting groove both penetrate vertically through the corresponding tower parts and communicate with the slot. The ear clip is received in the first mounting groove, the actuating part is exposed downward in the first mounting groove, and the fastening part is received in the second mounting groove and can move left and right within the second mounting groove. The movable unit includes at least one movable wall, a first extension part and a second extension part connected to the movable wall. The movable wall extends longitudinally in the left and right direction and is located outside the slot. The first extension part and the second extension part are located on the left and right sides of the main body. The first extension part extends to the first tower part, the actuating part is connected to the first extension part, the second extension part extends to the second tower part, and the fastening part is connected to the second extension part.

4. The card edge connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The mating part is a through groove that runs vertically through the first extension. The mating part includes two groove walls spaced apart on the left and right. The actuating part protrudes downward into the mating part. The groove wall on the left is defined as the first groove wall, and the groove wall on the right is defined as the second groove wall. The actuating part includes a first side and a second side arranged opposite to each other on the left and right. The first side is used to abut against and push the first groove wall to the left, so that the engaging part moves to the left and locks the electronic card. The second side is used to abut against and push the second groove wall to the right, so that the engaging part moves to the right and disengages from the electronic card.

5. The card edge connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The ear clip includes a plastic part and a metal reinforcement, the metal reinforcement being inlaid in the plastic part, and the metal reinforcement having an actuating portion that protrudes downward from the plastic part.

6. The card edge connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first extension further includes a clearance groove and a connecting portion. The clearance groove extends vertically through the first extension. The connecting portion is located between the mating portion and the clearance groove, and separates the clearance groove from the mating portion laterally. The retraction portion is exposed downward in the clearance groove. The metal reinforcement includes a recess and a stop portion that expose the plastic part downward. The recess extends through the metal reinforcement front and back and is formed between the actuating portion and the stop portion. The top wall of the recess is located above the bottom surface of the connecting portion and the retraction portion. The stop portion is closer to the retraction portion in the left-right direction relative to the actuating portion, and is located below the retraction portion and received in the clearance groove.

7. The card edge connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The active unit is integrally formed from a metal sheet.

8. The card edge connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second extension is located below the second tower portion, and the movable unit includes a spring piece housed in the second mounting slot. The spring piece is integrally connected to the second extension portion, and the engaging portion is formed on the spring piece.

9. The card edge connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: Each of the aforementioned tower sections is provided with two slots spaced apart front and back, the slots extending downward through the corresponding tower section. The electrical connector is mounted downward on a circuit board and includes two fixing feet, which are installed one-to-one with the two tower sections. Each fixing foot includes a base, two fixing parts extending upward from the base, and a solder foot located below the base. The two fixing parts of each fixing foot are received and fixed in the corresponding two slots, and the solder foot is welded downward to the circuit board. The fixing foot installed in the first tower section is defined as the first fixing foot, and the fixing foot installed in the second tower section is defined as the second fixing foot. A portion of the first extension is mounted above the base of the first fixing foot and supported upward thereon, and a portion of the second extension is mounted above the base of the second fixing foot and supported upward thereon.

10. The card edge connector according to claim 9, characterized in that: The two fixing parts of the first fixing foot pass upward through the first extension to limit the front-back displacement of the first extension, and the first fixing foot is located on the left side of the actuating part; the two fixing parts of the second fixing foot pass upward through the second extension to limit its front-back displacement, and the two fixing parts of the second fixing foot are located on the front and rear sides of the spring piece.

11. The card edge connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The movable unit includes two movable walls arranged opposite each other in the front and back. The two movable walls are located on the front and back sides of the seat and are spaced apart from the seat. The first extension and the second extension are integrally connected to the two movable walls in the front-back direction.

12. The electrical connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The spring has a through hole that extends through the spring from both sides to accommodate a portion of the electronic card, and the engaging portion is formed at the top of the through hole.

13. A card edge connector for mating with an electronic card, characterized in that, include: A body, the body comprising a main body extending longitudinally in a left-right direction and two tower portions located at the left and right ends of the main body, the body having a slot extending on the main body and the tower portions, the tower portions being higher than the main body, the slot being located on the portion of the tower portions that are higher than the main body for guiding the electronic card downwardly into the main body, the tower portion located at the left end of the main body being defined as the first tower portion, and the other tower portion being defined as the second tower portion; Multiple terminals are provided on the main body and exposed in the slot, and the multiple terminals are used to contact the electronic card to achieve electrical connection; An ear clip, which is pivotally connected to the first tower part and switches between a closed position and an open position, includes a fastening part, a card ejection part and an actuating part. The fastening part is used to lock the card, and the card ejection part is used to push the electronic card to eject the card. An active unit is provided on the base body, including a locking part and a mating part. The locking part is provided on the second tower part and is used to lock the electronic card. The mating part cooperates and links with the actuating part so that the locking part can move left and right as the ear buckle rotates. The ear clip rotates from the open position to the closed position and engages with the electronic card inserted into the slot. During this process, the fastening part locks the electronic card, the actuating part pushes the mating part to the left, and the engaging part also moves to the left to lock the electronic card. During the process of rotating the ear clip from the closed position to the open position, the ear clip disengages from the electronic card, the card ejection part pushes the electronic card, the actuating part pushes the engaging part to the right, and the engaging part moves to the right along with the moving engaging part, thereby disengaging from the electronic card.

14. The card edge connector according to claim 13, characterized in that: The angle between the closed position and the open position is 25°.

15. The card edge connector according to claim 13, characterized in that: The ear clip includes a plastic part and a metal reinforcement, the metal reinforcement being inlaid in the plastic part, and the metal reinforcement having an actuating portion protruding from the plastic part.

16. The card edge connector according to claim 13, characterized in that: The movable unit is integrally bent from a metal sheet and includes two movable walls sleeved on the outside of the base, a first extension and a second extension connecting the two movable walls, and a spring piece housed in the second tower. The two movable walls are located on the front and rear sides of the base. The first extension is located directly below the first tower, and the second extension is located directly below the second tower and connected to the spring piece. The mating part extends vertically through the first extension, and the engaging part extends horizontally through the spring piece.

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