Bending type electric connector assembly and electric connector

Abstract

A bent electrical connector assembly and an electrical connector are described herein. The bent electrical connector assembly includes a dielectric housing and an electrically conductive terminal body. The dielectric housing includes: a hollow first section extending in a longitudinal direction; and a hollow second section extending in a vertical direction at an angle to the longitudinal direction and coupled and internally communicating with the first section. The terminal main body comprises a straight pin section which is suitable for being inserted into the first section along the longitudinal direction; and the straight end connecting section is connected with the pin inserting section at an angle and is suitable for being inserted into the second part section along the vertical direction. The second section is continuously exposed along the vertical direction on a first side parallel to a plane jointly defined by the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction; and the terminal main body is arranged in a manner that the terminating section can be received in the second section in a manner of pivoting relative to the pin section under the condition that the pin section is inserted in place in the first section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a bent electrical connector assembly, an electrical connector, and a method of forming a bent electrical connector assembly, and more specifically, to a bent high-frequency electrical connector assembly and its electrical connector that can be applied to various application requirements, such as high-speed data transmission applications, in fields such as data communication, but not limited to these. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical connector assemblies are electronic components used for the transmission and exchange of current or signals between devices in electronic systems. As nodes, electrical connector assemblies, either independently or together with cables, transmit current or signals between devices, components, equipment, and systems, ensuring that signal distortion and energy loss do not occur between systems. They are essential basic components for forming the connection of the entire complete system. For example, I / O modules are typically used for connections between switches, and between switches and servers.

[0003] In existing technologies used in data communication, electrical connectors are typically employed to transmit signals between two printed circuit boards (PCBs). Specifically, as a typical example, each electrical connector comprises its own connector assembly, and the mating connectors have their respective mating connector assemblies mounted on two PCBs. Signal transmission between the two PCBs is achieved by mating these two connector assemblies together. Existing connector assemblies typically include an insulating housing (such as a plastic housing) and conductive contact terminals (including signal terminals and ground terminals) assembled within the insulating housing. The physical interconnection and electrical connection between the two PCBs are achieved by the paired connector assemblies, each contacting the conductive terminals.

[0004] In existing technologies, the main structure of a typical electrical connector assembly is usually a 180-degree straight-out cable configuration, i.e., a 180-degree electrical connector assembly. Considering that when mating electrical connector assemblies are connected to each other, the straight-out structure sometimes cannot meet the wiring requirements, making cable routing inconvenient, prone to interference with other components, and affecting connector performance and lifespan. Therefore, in addition to the original 180-degree straight-out cable configuration, a product structure with a bent, for example, 90-degree tail-end cable exit is added, thus creating a bent electrical connector assembly with a right-angle main structure in this field.

[0005] A bent-type electrical connector assembly, also known as a right-angle connector, has a straight mating end for leading out terminals to mate with the socket of a mating connector assembly, and a vertical terminating end for bending, for example, at a 90-degree angle, is substantially perpendicular to each other. The design, manufacture, and assembly of such connectors are complex and expensive. Because the signal path turns, for example, 90 degrees within the dielectric housing of the connector assembly (thus forming a right-angle bend at the transition between the mating and terminating ends), it is difficult to maintain impedance between the mating and terminating ends. Furthermore, typical right-angle connectors do not allow for automated manufacturing. For example, in some existing right-angle connectors, the central terminal body for conductive contact (e.g., in the form of a pin) is inserted into the dielectric housing of the connector assembly and then manually bent, for example, 90 degrees using a tool to form a signal transmission path through the right-angle bend of the bent connector assembly. Additionally, the dielectric housing is often difficult to form so that the bent right-angle bend completely surrounds the terminal body, potentially reducing shielding and causing signal attenuation.

[0006] Bent-type electrical connector assemblies in related technologies are typically manufactured using two structures: a press-fit assembly structure where the terminal body is pressed into the dielectric housing for assembly, and a monolithic molding structure where the terminal body and dielectric are integrally injection molded. However, both of these structures inherently possess technical defects.

[0007] On the one hand, in the press-fit type bent electrical connector assembly structure of related technologies, the assembly between the terminal body and the dielectric housing (as an insulator support) requires the formation of a barb structure along the axial direction on the terminal body to provide a stop structure that resists the reverse withdrawal movement of the terminal body and suppresses the axial back-and-forth movement of the terminal body within the dielectric housing without hindering insertion. However, since the barb is formed at a location near the right-angle corner of the straight mating end, that is, slightly rearward in the axial direction of the straight mating end and close to the vertical termination end, the axial force point of the near-right-angle bend during insertion is difficult to control. Furthermore, since the force point at the right-angle corner of the near-right-angle bend of the terminal body cannot be accurately determined, the insertion depth of the terminal body also requires specific process control. Moreover, the axial force acting on the terminal body easily causes deformation. Furthermore, because the originally straight pin-shaped terminal body is bent at a near right angle at the right-angle corner, the bending easily leads to rebound and prestress, or even local prestrain. Consequently, axial force on the terminal body easily causes deformation, and the springback that occurs after bending affects the positional accuracy. In addition, this barbed structure affects the impedance of the terminal body compared to a smooth terminal body.

[0008] On the other hand, in the integrally molded bent electrical connector assembly structure of related technologies, the need for specially designed molds leads to high mold investment. Furthermore, the need to pre-form the terminal strip at the top of the terminal body (which is removed after the electrical connector assembly is integrally formed, for example, by cutting or breaking) causes significant limitations, resulting in many irregular substructures in the product and limiting the overall high-frequency performance of the electrical connector assembly.

[0009] Furthermore, conventional bent electrical connector assemblies include multiple individual components, making automated assembly difficult; and due to complexity, the number of different components, and manufacturing processes, typical bent electrical connector assemblies are typically assembled manually, which is time-consuming. Therefore, there is a need in the art for bent electrical connector assemblies and their components that provide effective signal path shielding, reduce the number of components, and allow for automated manufacturing and assembly.

[0010] Therefore, there is an urgent need in the prior art for an improved bent electrical connector assembly and its components, which can be achieved, for example, through improvements in the assembly structure. This would eliminate the inherent barbs and uncertain bending angles of press-fit assembly structures, overcoming the resulting adverse effects on force / structure and impedance matching, while simultaneously ensuring that the terminal body does not experience reverse retraction or axial movement. Furthermore, it would eliminate the material strip inherent in integral molded structures, improving their high-frequency performance. Thus, the envisioned bent electrical connector assembly and its components facilitate simple assembly of pre-processed, near-right-angle bent terminal bodies relative to a pre-formed dielectric housing, achieving reliable relative fixation and positioning between the two. This enhances the structural strength of the connector assembly components, reduces deformation and accumulated stress during insertion, and improves assembly accuracy, impedance matching, and high-frequency performance. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of this disclosure is to solve at least one aspect of the aforementioned problems and defects in the prior art by providing a simple-structured bent electrical connector assembly and electrical connector, as well as a method for forming the bent electrical connector assembly, which achieves simple assembly through two steps of axial insertion and radial pivoting of a pre-processed, nearly right-angled bent terminal body relative to a pre-formed dielectric housing.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure provides the following technical solution:

[0013] In a first aspect of this disclosure, a bent electrical connector assembly is provided, the connector assembly including a dielectric housing and a conductive terminal body. The dielectric housing includes: a hollow first segment extending longitudinally; and a hollow second segment extending vertically at an angle to the longitudinal direction and connected to and internally communicating with the first segment. The terminal body includes: a straight pin segment adapted for insertion into the first segment longitudinally; and a straight termination segment angled to the pin segment and adapted for insertion vertically into the second segment. The second segment is continuously exposed vertically on a first side parallel to a plane jointly defined by the longitudinal and vertical directions, and the terminal body is arranged such that, with the pin segment inserted into the first segment, the termination segment is received within the second segment in a pivotable manner relative to the pin segment.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal body further includes a curved transition section, through which the pin section and the termination section are connected to each other, and the transition section is adapted to be received within a communicating cavity defined inside the connection between the first section and the second section.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the pin segment, the transition segment, and the termination segment are formed by bending a cylindrical cross-section terminal having a uniform diameter.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal body is arranged such that, with the pin segment inserted into the first segment, the termination segment is pivotally placed into the second segment via the first side.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the first segment has a first sidewall that circumferentially surrounds and defines a first lumen extending longitudinally within the first segment and adapted to receive the pin segment. The second segment has a second sidewall that at least partially circumferentially defines a second lumen extending vertically into the first lumen and adapted to receive the termination segment within the second segment. The first lumen and the second lumen are in communication with each other via the communicating cavity.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the first segment is a hollow cylinder, and the first sidewall is a circumferential wall of uniform thickness, the first sidewall defining a first cylindrical cavity.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the second segment is a hollow cuboid and is vertically continuous from the first side along its entire length, and the second sidewall is a discontinuous wall of uniform thickness, the second sidewall at least partially defining a first cavity in the shape of a partially cylindrical tube.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the first side of the second segment is defined by continuously removing a portion of the second sidewall between the distal end of the second segment away from the first segment and the proximal end of the second segment located at the junction of the first segment and the second segment along the vertical direction and parallel to the plane, and the first side has a first through groove on the second sidewall that opens along the vertical direction.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the open edge of the second sidewall defining the first through groove along the vertical direction is rounded or beveled to taper inward.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the second sidewall has a narrowed neck formed adjacent to the open edge defining the first through slot along the vertical direction.

[0023] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the first through-slot and the second cavity are integrally connected and formed to have a uniform width, and the transition portion of the second sidewall adjacent to the vertical open edge defining the first through-slot serves as a neck, at which a stop is formed.

[0024] In an optional exemplary embodiment, the stop includes at least one pair of pre-bent resettable elastic sheets, each pair of elastic sheets being disposed opposite each other on the inner wall of the second sidewall, and each elastic sheet in each pair including a first sheet portion and a second sheet portion angled to each other, the first sheet portion being abutted and fixed to the inner wall of the second sidewall, and the second sheet portion extending bently from the first sheet portion toward the second lumen.

[0025] In an optional exemplary embodiment, the stop includes at least one pair of resilient reset devices, each pair of resilient reset devices being disposed opposite each other on the inner wall of the second sidewall, and each of the resilient reset devices in each pair including a sheet pivotally fixed at one end to the inner wall of the second sidewall, and a spring connecting the other end of the sheet to the inner wall.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal body further includes a discontinuous third sidewall that extends longitudinally and is partially circumferentially arranged at the intersection of the first segment and the second segment, the third sidewall at least partially defining a countersunk hole that extends longitudinally and communicates with the first lumen.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the countersunk hole is arranged coaxially with the first lumen and is configured to guide the insertion of the pin segment into the first lumen through its inner diameter, which is larger than that of the first lumen.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the third sidewall has a second through groove that opens continuously along the longitudinal direction to the intersection of the first sidewall and the third sidewall to at least partially expose the countersunk hole, and the second through groove is adapted to accommodate the longitudinal movement of the end section following the insertion action of the pin section into the first lumen until the end section is vertically aligned with the first through groove.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, when the longitudinal movement of the termination segment through the second through slot in accordance with the insertion action of the pin segment into the first lumen aligns the termination segment vertically with the first through slot, a pivoting motion of the termination segment around the transition segment is triggered to enter the second segment from the first side through the first through slot.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the portion of the third sidewall facing the second sidewall is recessed to define a groove that is radially connected to the countersunk hole.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the portion of the third sidewall at the transition edge between the second through groove and the recess and the countersunk hole is rounded or beveled to taper toward the interior of the recess.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connector assembly further includes a first seal, which is a hollow sealing gasket arranged coaxially over the portion of the pin segment extending from the first lumen and abutting against the surface of the end of the first segment remote from the first segment.

[0033] In a second aspect of this disclosure, an electrical connector is provided, comprising: a plurality of electrical connector assemblies according to the foregoing, arranged parallel to each other and in an array along the longitudinal direction; a shield for receiving the plurality of electrical connector assemblies along the longitudinal direction; a termination housing for receiving at least partially the shield along the vertical direction; and a receptacle housing for receiving at least partially the termination housing and the shield along the longitudinal direction.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connector further includes an external seal that is sleeved on the outer surface of the shield and seals between the outer surface of the shield and the inner surface of the socket housing. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help to explain some principles associated with the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

[0036] Figure 1A and Figure 1BThe electrical connector assembly according to the embodiment is illustrated in schematic perspective and exploded view, respectively.

[0037] Figure 2A The figure shows a schematic perspective view of the dielectric housing in the electrical connector assembly; and Figure 2B The diagram shows Figure 2A A magnified view of the area shown in the elliptical dashed box.

[0038] Figures 3A to 3G The dielectric housing is shown in front view, rear view, left view, right view, top view, bottom view, and longitudinal section view, respectively.

[0039] Figure 4A An embodiment of the present disclosure is shown as follows: Figure 3A A magnified view of the portion shown in the circular dashed box in the image; Figure 4B An alternative embodiment according to this disclosure is shown in, for example Figure 3A A schematic enlarged view of the part shown in the circular dashed box; Figure 4C This illustrates yet another alternative embodiment according to the present disclosure, in such a way... Figure 3A A schematic enlarged view of the part shown in the circular dashed box. Figure 4D This illustrates another alternative embodiment according to the present disclosure, as shown in... Figure 3A A schematic enlarged view of the part shown in the circular dashed box.

[0040] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the assembled state of the terminal body and the dielectric housing in a longitudinal cross-sectional view.

[0041] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A schematic perspective view showing the assembled and disassembled states of an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0042] This disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided as illustrative examples to enable those skilled in the art to practice this disclosure. It is important to note that the following drawings and examples are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure to a single embodiment, but rather to enable other embodiments by means of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements. Furthermore, where certain elements of this disclosure can be implemented using known components in part or entirely, only those portions of such known components necessary for understanding this disclosure will be described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components will be omitted so as not to obscure this disclosure. Unless otherwise stated herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that embodiments described as being implemented in software are not intended to be limited to this, but may include embodiments implemented in hardware or a combination of software and hardware, and vice versa. Embodiments showing a singular number of components in this specification should not be considered limiting; rather, unless expressly stated otherwise herein, this disclosure is intended to cover other embodiments including a plurality of identical components, and vice versa. Furthermore, the applicant does not intend for any terminology in this specification or claims to be relegated to an uncommon or particular meaning unless so expressly stated. In addition, this disclosure covers current and future known equivalents of known components mentioned herein with the aid of illustrations.

[0043] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "bottom" and "top," "upper" and "lower," etc., used in this disclosure are relative concepts. Furthermore, the terms "corresponding" or "corresponding" in this disclosure refer to the correspondence between paired, collaboratively working components.

[0044] Figure 1A and Figure 1B The electrical connector assembly 1 according to the embodiment is illustrated in schematic perspective view and exploded view, respectively.

[0045] In one aspect of this disclosure, according to a general technical concept of this disclosure, for example, Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown, a bent electrical connector assembly 1 is provided, the electrical connector assembly 1 including a dielectric housing 10 and a conductive terminal body 20. The dielectric housing 10 includes: a hollow first segment 11 extending along a longitudinal direction Y; and a hollow second segment 12 extending along a vertical direction Z at an angle (e.g., orthogonal) to the longitudinal direction Y and connected to and internally communicating with the first segment 11. The terminal body 20 includes: a straight pin segment 21 adapted to be inserted into the first segment 11 along the longitudinal direction Y; and a straight termination segment 22 connected to the pin segment 21 at an angle (e.g., orthogonal) and adapted to be inserted into the second segment 12 along the vertical direction Z. The second segment 12 is continuously exposed along the vertical Z on a first side 121 parallel to the plane defined by the longitudinal Y and the vertical Z, and the terminal body 20 is arranged such that the termination segment 22 is received in the second segment 12 in a manner that allows it to pivot relative to the pin segment 21 when the pin segment 21 is inserted into the first segment 11.

[0046] As an example, the electrical connector assembly 1 includes a dielectric housing 10 made of an insulating material such as plastic and terminals made of a conductive material such as metal. More specifically, in some applications, the dielectric housing 10 is made of a plastic part, for example, such as LCP material. Such a dielectric housing 10 can be easily pre-formed using existing processes such as molding, thus simplifying manufacturing. As an example, the terminals are then mounted within the dielectric housing 10. In some examples, such as those shown, the terminal body 20 includes, for example, a conductive terminal core and a terminal sheath surrounding the surface of the terminal core. In a further embodiment, as shown as a specific example, at both ends of the terminal body 20, the terminal core is exposed from the terminal sheath for plug-in electrical connections with mating devices and for termination with cables, respectively.

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, as shown in the figures, for example, the terminal body 20 further includes a curved transition section 23, through which the pin section 21 and the termination section 22 are connected to each other, and the transition section 23 is adapted to be received within a communicating cavity defined inside the junction of the first section 11 and the second section 12. Thus, each portion of the terminal body 20 is adapted to be received within a corresponding internal portion of the hollow dielectric housing 10. This arrangement ensures, at least in terms of size, installation compatibility between the terminal body 20 and the dielectric housing 10.

[0048] As an example, the pin segment 21, the transition segment 23, and the termination segment 22 are formed by bending a cylindrical cross-section terminal with a uniform diameter. This allows the terminal body 20 to be easily pre-processed using existing processes such as sheet metal fabrication, thus simplifying manufacturing.

[0049] In a further embodiment, as shown in the figure as a specific example, the terminal body 20 is arranged such that, with the pin segment 21 inserted into the first segment 11, the termination segment 22 is inserted into the second segment 12 via the first side 121 in a manner that allows it to pivot about the transition segment 23.

[0050] With this arrangement, for example, the straight pin segment 21 of the terminal body 20 is first inserted into the first section 11 of the dielectric housing 10, and then the termination segment 22 of the terminal body 20, which is at an angle (e.g., orthogonal) to the pin segment 21, is pivoted relative to the already inserted pin segment 21, thereby pivoting the termination segment into the second section 12 of the dielectric housing 10 and holding it in place relative to each other. This results in a simple prefabricated structure achieved under existing process conditions, through a simplified two-step operation (specifically, through pre-processed near-right-angled...). The reliable relative fixation and limiting of the bent terminal body relative to the pre-formed dielectric housing 10 can be achieved through two steps: axial insertion and radial pivoting. Based on this structure and assembly setup, not only can the inherent barbs and uncertain bending angles of related press-fit structures be eliminated, and the resulting adverse effects on force / structure and impedance matching be overcome, but the reverse retraction and axial movement of the terminal body relative to the insertion movement are still prevented. Furthermore, the material strip inherent in related integral molding structures is eliminated, improving its high-frequency performance. Thus, the structural strength of the components of the electrical connector assembly 1 is effectively enhanced, deformation and accumulated stress during insertion are reduced, and assembly accuracy, impedance matching effect, and high-frequency performance are improved.

[0051] Figure 2A The figure shows a schematic perspective view of the dielectric housing 10 in the electrical connector assembly 1; and Figure 2B The diagram shows Figure 2A A magnified view of the area shown in the elliptical dashed box. Figures 3A to 3G The dielectric housing 10 is shown in front view, rear view, left view, right view, top view, bottom view and longitudinal section view respectively.

[0052] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, as shown in the figures, for example, the first segment 11 has a first sidewall 110, and the first sidewall 110 circumferentially surrounds and defines a first cavity 111 extending along the longitudinal direction Y and adapted to receive the pin segment 21 within the first segment 11. The second segment 12 has a second sidewall 120, and the second sidewall 120 at least partially circumferentially defines a second cavity 122 within the second segment 12 that communicates along the vertical direction Z to the first cavity 111 and is adapted to receive the termination segment 22. The first cavity 111 and the second cavity 122 are in communication with each other via the communicating cavity. Such a basic structural design of the dielectric housing 10 is formed by a simple molding process, such as a molding process.

[0053] As an example, as shown in the figure, the first segment 11 is typically a hollow cylinder, and the first sidewall 110 is a circumferential wall of uniform thickness, defining a cylindrical first cavity 111.

[0054] In a further embodiment, as shown in the figure as a specific example, the second segment 12 is a hollow cuboid and is continuously open in the vertical Z direction from the first side 121 along the entire length, and the second sidewall 120 is a discontinuous wall of uniform thickness, the second sidewall 120 at least partially defining a first cavity 111 that is partially cylindrical.

[0055] In a more specific embodiment, as an example, the first side 121 of the second segment 12 is defined by continuously removing a portion of the second sidewall 120 between the distal end Ed of the second segment 12 away from the first segment 11 and the proximal end Ep of the second segment 12 located at the junction of the first segment 11 and the second segment 12 along the vertical Z and parallel to the plane, and the first side 121 has a first through groove 123 on the second sidewall 120 that opens along the vertical Z.

[0056] By providing such a first through slot 123, at least the feasibility of the operation of the radial pivoting step of the pre-processed, nearly right-angled bent terminal body relative to the second segment 12 of the pre-formed dielectric housing 10 is ensured.

[0057] Figure 4A An embodiment of the present disclosure is shown as follows: Figure 3A A magnified view of the portion shown in the circular dashed box in the image; Figure 4B An alternative embodiment according to this disclosure is shown in, for example Figure 3A A schematic enlarged view of the part shown in the circular dashed box.

[0058] In exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure, for example, Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the second sidewall 120, at the open edge 124 defining the first through groove 123 along the vertical Z direction, is obliquely cut to taper toward the interior of the second cavity 122, or alternatively, is rounded to taper toward the interior of the second cavity 122. This facilitates guiding the end section 22 through the first through groove 123 and into the second cavity 122.

[0059] In a further embodiment, as shown in the figure as a specific example, the second sidewall 120 has a narrowed neck 125 formed adjacent to the open edge 124 defining the first through groove 123 along the vertical Z direction. This narrowed neck 125 helps to retain the end segment 22, which has been inserted through the first through groove 123 from the first side 121 of the second section 12, within the second lumen 122.

[0060] As an example, for example, Figure 4A As shown, the neck 125 has a longitudinal cross-sectional shape that is arched. Alternatively, as another example, such as... Figure 4B As shown, the neck 125 has a trapezoidal arched longitudinal cross-sectional shape. Of course, any other neck 125 construction can also be used instead, for example, a narrowed longitudinal cross-section with a slope on only one side, as long as it meets the narrowed construction requirements to facilitate holding the inserted end section 22 within the second lumen 122.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the minimum width of the first through-slot 123 is greater than or equal to the maximum width of the cross-section of the termination segment 22 (e.g., the diameter of the circular cross-section of the terminal body 20 is, for example, 0.68 mm) and less than the maximum width of the cross-section of the second cavity 122. Therefore, the insertion segment can pivot unimpeded through the first through-slot 123 into the cavity. Furthermore, the minimum width of the first through-slot 123 is less than the maximum width of the cross-section of the second cavity 122 (e.g., in the case where the second cavity 122 is at least a portion of a cylindrical cavity, the maximum width of the cross-section of the second cavity 122 can be equivalently considered as the inner diameter of the second cavity 122, for example, 0.7 mm), which helps ensure that the insertion segment will not easily slide out through the first through-slot 123 even if it slightly rolls or shifts within the second cavity 122.

[0062] Alternatively, in an alternative exemplary embodiment, the minimum width of the first through-slot 123 is at most 0.02 mm smaller than the maximum width of the cross-section of the termination segment 22 (e.g., the diameter of the circular cross-section of the terminal body 20 is, for example, 0.68 mm) to accommodate the second segment 12 that has been squeezed through, and is also smaller than the maximum width of the cross-section of the second cavity 122 (e.g., in the case where the second cavity 122 is at least a portion of a cylindrical cavity, the maximum width of the cross-section of the second cavity 122 can be equivalently regarded as the inner diameter of the second cavity 122, for example, 0.7 mm). Thus, the insertion segment requires slight squeezing through the first through-slot 123 to enter the second cavity 122 during pivoting, but once inside the second cavity 122, it is held inside and cannot slide out freely.

[0063] Figure 4C This illustrates yet another alternative embodiment according to the present disclosure, in such a way... Figure 3A A schematic enlarged view of the part shown in the circular dashed box. Figure 4D This illustrates another alternative embodiment according to the present disclosure, as shown in... Figure 3A A schematic enlarged view of the part shown in the circular dashed box.

[0064] And as an example, such as Figure 4C and 4D Typically, the first through-slot 123 and the second cavity 122 are connected as one unit and are formed to have a uniform width, and the transition portion of the second sidewall 120 adjacent to the open edge 124 defining the first through-slot 123 along the vertical Z direction serves as a neck 125, at which a stop 126 is formed.

[0065] In a further embodiment, such as Figure 4C As shown as a specific example, the stop 126 includes at least one pair (only one pair is shown for simplicity). In practice, multiple pairs of pre-bent resettable elastic sheets arranged along the vertical Z direction can also be used. Each pair of elastic sheets is disposed opposite to each other on the inner wall of the second sidewall 120, and each elastic sheet in each pair includes a first sheet portion 1261 and a second sheet portion 1262 at an angle to each other. The first sheet portion 1261 is abutted and fixed to the inner wall of the second sidewall 120, and the second sheet portion 1262 extends bent from the first sheet portion 1261 toward the second lumen 122.

[0066] Thus, during the pivoting of the end section 22 toward the second lumen 122, the end section 22 first inwardly presses open each elastic sheet in each pair of elastic sheets, thereby pressing the second sheet portion 1262 of each elastic sheet against the second sidewall 120 of the second section 12, thereby opening each pair of elastic sheets and increasing the distance between the two elastic sheets in each pair to facilitate the passage of the end section 22. Once the end section 22 has pivoted past the stop 126, the second sheet portion 1262 in each elastic sheet of each pair of elastic sheets elastically returns to its original position, thereby restoring the distance between the two elastic sheets in each pair to prevent the end section 22 from reversing out. This facilitates the retention of the end section 22 within the second lumen 122.

[0067] In a further embodiment, such as Figure 4D As a specific alternative example, the stop 126 includes at least one pair of resilient reset devices, each pair of resilient reset devices being disposed opposite each other on the inner wall of the second sidewall 120, and each of the resilient reset devices in each pair including a sheet 1263 pivotally fixed at one end to the inner wall of the second sidewall 120, and a spring 1264 connecting the other end of the sheet 1263 to the inner wall.

[0068] Thus, as the end section 22 is pivoted toward the second lumen 122, it first presses each pair of elastic reset devices inward, causing the sheet 1263 of each elastic reset device to be pressed against the second sidewall 120 of the second section 12 to compress the spring 1264. This increases the distance between the respective sheets 1263 of the two elastic reset devices in each pair to facilitate the passage of the end section 22. Once the end section 22 has pivoted past the stop 126, the spring 1264 in each elastic reset device of each pair is uncompressed and resets itself, causing the sheet 1263 to reset, thereby restoring the distance between the respective sheets 1263 of the two elastic reset devices in each pair to prevent the end section 22 from reversing out. This facilitates the retention of the end section 22 within the second lumen 122.

[0069] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the assembled state of the terminal body 20 and the dielectric housing 10 in a longitudinal cross-sectional view.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment according to this disclosure, as shown, for example, the terminal body 20 further includes a discontinuous third sidewall 130 extending along the longitudinal direction Y and partially arranged circumferentially at the intersection of the first segment 11 and the second segment 12. The third sidewall 130 at least partially defines a countersunk hole 131 extending along the longitudinal direction Y and communicating with the first lumen 111. As an example, the third sidewall 130 is formed from the first sidewall 110 extending along the longitudinal direction Y, and, as described in detail below, has multiple portions removed to form hollow portions such as a second through groove 132 and a recess 134.

[0071] As an example, the countersunk hole 131 is coaxially arranged with the first lumen 111 and configured to guide the insertion of the pin segment 21 into the first lumen 111 through its inner diameter, which is larger than that of the first lumen 111. The countersunk hole 131 facilitates guiding the correct translational insertion of the pin segment 21 into the first lumen 111 along the longitudinal direction Y, i.e., the axial direction of the first lumen 111.

[0072] In a further embodiment, as shown in the figure as a specific example, the third sidewall 130 has a second through groove 132 that continuously opens along the longitudinal direction Y to the intersection of the first sidewall 110 and the third sidewall 130 to at least partially expose the countersunk hole 131, and the second through groove 132 is adapted to accommodate the longitudinal Y movement of the end section 22 following the insertion action of the pin section 21 into the first lumen 111 until the end section 22 is aligned with the first through groove 123 along the vertical direction Z.

[0073] By providing such a second through slot 132, at least the feasibility of two steps of operation is ensured: axial insertion of the pre-processed, nearly right-angled bent terminal body 22 relative to the pre-formed dielectric housing 10 following the insertion action of the pin segment 21, and subsequent radial pivoting after the terminal segment 22 is stopped by the first sidewall 110 of the first segment 11.

[0074] In a more specific embodiment, as an example, the minimum width of the second through slot 132 is greater than the maximum width of the cross-section of the termination segment 22, and preferably, for example, smaller than the maximum width of the cross-section of the countersunk hole 131. This arrangement ensures, at least in terms of dimensions, the installation compatibility of the terminal body 20 passing through the second through slot 132.

[0075] In a further specific embodiment, as an example, the minimum width of the second through groove 132 is less than or equal to the maximum width of the cross-section of the first cavity 111 in order to help ensure that the terminal body 20, in particular the pin segment 21, does not easily slide out through the second through groove 132 even if it rolls or moves slightly within the first cavity 111.

[0076] As an exemplary embodiment, for example, when the termination segment 22 aligns with the first through-slot 123 in the vertical Z direction during the longitudinal Y-movement through the second through-slot 132 following the insertion action of the pin segment 21 into the first cavity 111, the termination segment 22 is triggered to pivot about the transition section 23 from the first side 121 through the first through-slot 123 into the second section 12. Thus, the cooperative arrangement of the first through-slot 123 and the second through-slot 132 facilitates the feasibility of two operational steps: axial insertion of the pre-processed, nearly right-angled bent terminal body relative to the pre-formed dielectric housing 10 following the insertion action of the pin segment 21, and subsequent radial pivoting after the termination segment 22 is stopped by the first sidewall 110 of the first section 11.

[0077] See back Figure 3D In an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure, for example as shown, the portion of the third sidewall 130 facing the second sidewall 120 is recessed to define a groove 134 that is radially connected to the countersunk hole 131. The groove is provided primarily to facilitate demolding during injection molding of the dielectric housing.

[0078] In a further embodiment, as shown in the figure as a specific example, the transition edge 133 of the third sidewall 130 at the junction with the countersunk hole 131 between the second through groove 132 and the recess 134 is rounded or beveled to taper inward toward the recess 134. This facilitates guiding the transfer of the end section 22 from the second through groove 132 to the first through groove 123 via pivoting, for subsequent pivoting insertion into the second lumen 122.

[0079] As an example, the groove 134 extends along the longitudinal direction Y, and the minimum width of the groove 134 is greater than the maximum width of the cross-section of the end segment 22, and less than or equal to the maximum width of the cross-section of the first lumen 111. With this arrangement, the additional groove 134 facilitates the rotation of the curved transition section 23 between the pin segment 21 and the end segment 22 during the transfer of the end segment 22 from the second through slot 132 to the first through slot 123, providing ample space for rotation.

[0080] See back Figure 1A and Figure 1BIn an exemplary embodiment according to this disclosure, as shown, for example, the electrical connector assembly 1 further includes a first seal 30, which is a hollow sealing gasket arranged coaxially over the portion of the pin segment 21 extending from the first cavity 111 and abutting against the surface of the end of the first segment 11 remote from the first segment 11. Such a first seal 30 facilitates sealing the electrical connector assembly 1 within additional external seals and a housing.

[0081] Based on the above-described bent electrical connector assembly 1, the following superior technical effects compared to existing technical solutions in the field can be achieved:

[0082] The terminal body 20 is first inserted into the first section 11 of the dielectric housing 10 using a straight pin segment 21. Then, the terminal body 20, with an angled (e.g., orthogonal) termination segment 22 relative to the inserted pin segment 21, pivots relative to the inserted pin segment 21, thereby pivoting the termination segment into the second section 12 of the dielectric housing 10 and holding it in place relative to each other. This achieves a simple prefabricated structure under existing process conditions through a simplified two-step operation (specifically, through a pre-processed terminal body with a near-right-angle bend). The reliable relative fixation and positioning of the terminal body relative to the pre-formed dielectric housing 10 can be achieved through two steps: axial insertion and radial pivoting. Based on this structure and assembly setup, not only can the inherent barbs and uncertain bending corners of related press-fit structures be eliminated, and the resulting adverse effects on force / structure and impedance matching be overcome, but the reverse retraction movement and axial movement of the terminal body relative to the insertion movement can still be avoided. In addition, the material strip inherent in related integral molding structures is eliminated, improving its high-frequency performance. Thus, the structural strength of the components of the electrical connector assembly 1 is effectively enhanced, deformation and accumulated stress generated during insertion are reduced, and assembly accuracy, impedance matching effect, and high-frequency performance are improved.

[0083] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A schematic perspective view showing the assembled and disassembled states of an electrical connector according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] In another aspect of this disclosure, according to a general technical concept of this disclosure, such as as shown in the figure, an electrical connector 2 is also provided, comprising: a plurality of electrical connector assemblies 1 according to the foregoing, arranged parallel to each other and in an array along the longitudinal direction Y; a shield 3 for accommodating the plurality of electrical connector assemblies 1 along the longitudinal direction Y; a termination housing 4 for at least partially receiving the shield 3 along the vertical direction Z; and a socket housing 5 for at least partially receiving the termination housing 4 and the shield 3 along the longitudinal direction Y.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure, as an example, the electrical connector 2 includes an external seal 6 sleeved on the outer surface of the shield 3 and sealed between the outer surface of the shield 3 and the inner surface of the socket housing 5.

[0086] Furthermore, considering that the electrical connector 2 provided in another aspect of this disclosure includes the aforementioned bent electrical connector assembly 1, it also possesses the advantages of the aforementioned electrical connector assembly 1, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0087] In another aspect of this disclosure, according to a general technical concept of this disclosure, a method for forming a bent electrical connector assembly 1 is also provided, the method comprising: integrally molding a dielectric housing 10, the dielectric including a hollow first segment 11 extending along a longitudinal direction Y, and a hollow second segment 12 extending along a vertical direction Z at an angle (e.g., orthogonal) to the longitudinal direction Y, the first segments 11 being integrally molded to be interconnected and internally connected; and forming a near-right-angle bent terminal body 20 by bending straight conductive terminals, the terminal body 20 including a straight pin segment 21 adapted to be inserted into the first segment 11 along the longitudinal direction Y, and a straight termination segment 22 connected at an angle (e.g., orthogonal) to the pin segment 21 and adapted to be inserted into the second segment 12 along the vertical direction Z.

[0088] As an example, the second segment 12 is continuously exposed along the vertical Z on a first side 121 parallel to the plane defined by the longitudinal Y and the vertical Z. The method further includes, for example, inserting the pin segment 21 along the longitudinal Y into the first segment 11; and, in response to the insertion action of the pin segment 21 being inserted into the first segment 11 along the longitudinal Y and the termination segment 22 following the insertion of the pin segment 21 into the first lumen 111, being stopped by the first segment 11, triggering the termination segment 22 to pivot relative to the pin segment 21 until the termination segment 22 is received and held within the second segment 12.

[0089] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, in the step of integrally molded dielectric housing 10, the first segment 11 is formed with a first sidewall 110, and the first sidewall 110 circumferentially surrounds and defines a first cavity 111 extending along the longitudinal direction Y and adapted to receive the pin segment 21 within the first segment 11, and the second segment 12 is formed with a second sidewall 120, and the second sidewall 120 at least partially circumferentially defines a second cavity 122 within the second segment 12 that communicates along the vertical direction Z to the first cavity 111 and is adapted to receive the termination segment 22, the first cavity 111 and the second cavity 122 communicating with each other via the communicating cavity.

[0090] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, the integral molded dielectric housing 10 further includes: continuously removing a portion of the second sidewall 120 between the distal end Ed of the second segment 12 away from the first segment 11 and the proximal end Ep of the second segment 12 located at the junction of the first segment 11 and the second segment 12 along the vertical Z and parallel to the plane to define the first side 121, and the first side 121 on the second sidewall 120 is formed with a first through groove 123 opening along the vertical Z.

[0091] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, in the step of forming a terminal body 20 with a near right angle bend, the terminal body 20 further forms a discontinuous third sidewall 130 extending along the longitudinal direction Y and partially arranged circumferentially at the intersection of the first segment 11 and the second segment 12, the third sidewall 130 at least partially defining a countersunk hole 131 extending along the longitudinal direction Y and communicating with the first lumen 111.

[0092] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, in the step of forming a near-right-angle bend in the terminal body 20, the third sidewall 130 is further formed with a second through groove 132 that extends continuously along the longitudinal direction Y to the intersection of the first sidewall 110 and the third sidewall 130 to at least partially expose the countersunk hole 131.

[0093] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, in the step of triggering the pivoting of the termination segment 22 relative to the insertion pin segment 21 until the termination segment 22 is pivoted about the transition segment 23 from the first side 121 through the first through slot 123 into the second segment 12. This is achieved by the longitudinal Y-movement through the second through slot 132 of the termination segment 22 following the insertion action of the insertion pin segment 21 into the first lumen 111, thereby aligning the termination segment 22 with the first through slot 123 in the vertical Z direction.

[0094] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, the transition portion of the second sidewall 120 adjacent to the open edge 124 defining the first through groove 123 along the vertical Z direction serves as a neck 125, the neck 125 being narrowed or having a stop 126 formed thereon, and the end section 22 being held within the second section 12 by the neck 125.

[0095] Furthermore, considering that the method for forming the bent electrical connector assembly 1 provided by another aspect of this disclosure substantially covers a two-step approach, such as the second segment 12 being continuously exposed along the vertical Z of a first side 121 parallel to the plane jointly defined by the longitudinal Y and the vertical Z; and the termination segment 22 being pivoted relative to the pin segment 21 into the second segment 12 by inserting the pin segment 21 into the first segment 11 along the longitudinal Y, and triggering the termination segment 22 to pivot relative to the pin segment 21 into the second segment 12 in response to the insertion of the pin segment 21 into the first segment 11 along the longitudinal Y, it is similar to the related content of the bent electrical connector assembly 1 and the aforementioned electrical connector 2 of the foregoing aspects of this disclosure, and thus also possesses the advantages of the aforementioned bent electrical connector assembly 1 and the aforementioned electrical connector 2, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0096] The foregoing description of the bent electrical connector assembly 1, the electrical connector 2, and the method for forming the bent electrical connector assembly 1 in the foregoing embodiments of this disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to exemplify preferred embodiments of this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure.

[0097] Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above are exemplary and can be improved upon. The structures described in the various embodiments can be modified and freely combined without causing structural or principle conflicts, and these changes should fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0098] The breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited to any of the embodiments described above, but should be defined only by the following claims and their equivalents.

[0099] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. Furthermore, any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A bent electrical connector assembly (1), comprising: The dielectric housing (10) includes: The hollow first segment (11) extends longitudinally (Y); and The hollow second segment (12) extends along a vertical direction (Z) at an angle to the longitudinal direction and is connected to and internally communicated with the first segment; The conductive terminal body (20) includes: A straight pin segment (21) is adapted to be inserted into the first segment along the longitudinal direction; and A straight end section (22) is connected at an angle to the pin section and is adapted to be inserted into the second section along the vertical direction; The second section is continuously exposed along the vertical direction on a first side (121) parallel to the plane defined by the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction, and the terminal body is arranged such that the termination section is received and held in the second section in a manner that allows it to pivot relative to the pin section when the pin section is inserted into the first section.

2. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal body (20) further includes a curved transition section (23) through which the pin section (21) and the termination section (22) are connected to each other, and the transition section (23) is adapted to be accommodated within a communicating cavity defined inside the connection between the first section (11) and the second section (12).

3. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The pin section (21), the transition section (23) and the termination section (22) are formed by bending a cylindrical cross-section terminal with a uniform diameter.

4. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The terminal body (20) is arranged such that, with the pin section (21) inserted in place within the first section (11), the termination section (22) is inserted into the second section (12) via the first side (121) in a manner that allows it to pivot about the transition section (23).

5. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The first segment (11) has a first sidewall (110) that circumferentially surrounds and defines a first lumen (111) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) and adapted to receive the pin segment (21) within the first segment (11). The second segment (12) has a second sidewall (120) that at least partially circumferentially defines a second lumen (122) communicating along the vertical direction (Z) to the first lumen (111) and adapted to receive the termination segment (22) within the second segment (12). The first lumen (111) and the second lumen (122) are in communication with each other via the communicating cavity.

6. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The first segment (11) is a hollow cylinder, and the first sidewall (110) is a circumferential wall of uniform thickness, the first sidewall (110) defining a first cavity (111) in the shape of a cylinder.

7. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The second segment (12) is a hollow cuboid and is continuously open in the vertical (Z) direction along the entire length from the first side (121), and the second sidewall (120) is a discontinuous wall of uniform thickness, the second sidewall (120) at least partially defining a first cavity (111) that is partially cylindrical.

8. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The first side (121) of the second segment (12) is defined by continuously removing a portion of the second sidewall (120) between the distal end (Ed) of the second segment (12) away from the first segment (11) and the proximal end (Ep) of the second segment (12) located at the junction of the first segment (11) and the second segment (12) along the vertical (Z) and parallel to the plane, and the first side (121) has a first through groove (123) on the second sidewall (120) that opens along the vertical (Z).

9. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The second sidewall (120) is rounded or beveled at the open edge (124) of the first through groove (123) along the vertical (Z) direction, defining the first through groove (123). It tapers inward.

10. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The second sidewall (120) has a narrowed neck (125) formed adjacent to the open edge (124) defining the first through groove (123) along the vertical (Z) direction.

11. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The first through groove (123) and the second cavity (122) are connected as one unit and are formed to have a uniform width, and the transition portion of the second sidewall (120) adjacent to the open edge (124) defining the first through groove (123) along the vertical (Z) direction serves as a neck (125), and a stop (126) is formed at the neck (125).

12. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein, The stop (126) includes at least one pair of pre-bent resettable elastic sheets, each pair of elastic sheets being disposed opposite each other on the inner wall of the second sidewall (120), and each elastic sheet in each pair including a first sheet portion (1261) and a second sheet portion (1262) at an angle to each other, the first sheet portion (1261) being abutted and fixed to the inner wall of the second sidewall (120), and the second sheet portion (1262) extending bently from the first sheet portion (1261) toward the second lumen (122).

13. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein, The stop (126) includes at least one pair of resilient reset devices, each pair of resilient reset devices being disposed opposite each other on the inner wall of the second sidewall (120), and each of the resilient reset devices in each pair including a sheet (1263) pivotally fixed at one end to the inner wall of the second sidewall (120), and a spring (1264) connecting the other end of the sheet (1263) to the inner wall.

14. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The terminal body (20) also has a discontinuous third sidewall (130) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) and partially arranged circumferentially at the intersection of the first segment (11) and the second segment (12), the third sidewall (130) at least partially defining a countersunk hole (131) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) and communicating with the first lumen (111).

15. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 14, wherein, The countersunk hole (131) is coaxially arranged with the first cavity (111) and configured to guide the insertion of the pin segment (21) into the first cavity (111) through its larger inner diameter than that of the first cavity (111).

16. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 14, wherein, The third sidewall (130) has a second through groove (132) that opens continuously along the longitudinal direction (Y) to the intersection of the first sidewall (110) and the third sidewall (130) to at least partially expose the countersunk hole (131), and the second through groove (132) is adapted to accommodate the longitudinal (Y) movement of the end section (22) following the insertion action of the pin section (21) into the first lumen (111) until the end section (22) is aligned vertically (Z) with the first through groove (123).

17. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 16, wherein, When the end section (22) follows the insertion action of the pin section (21) into the first lumen (111) and moves longitudinally (Y) through the second through slot (132) to align the end section (22) vertically (Z) with the first through slot (123), the end section (22) is triggered to pivot around the transition section (23) from the first side (121) through the first through slot (123) into the second section (12).

18. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 14, wherein, The portion of the third sidewall (130) facing the second sidewall (120) is recessed to define a groove (134) that is radially connected to the countersunk hole (131).

19. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 18, wherein, The transition edge (133) of the third sidewall (130) at the junction of the second through groove (132) and the groove (134) with the countersunk hole (131) is rounded or obliquely cut to taper toward the interior of the groove (134).

20. The electrical connector assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a first seal (30), which is a hollow sealing gasket and is arranged to be coaxially fitted onto the portion of the pin segment (21) extending from the first lumen (111) and abutting against the surface of the end of the first segment (11) away from the first segment (11).

21. An electrical connector (2), comprising: Multiple electrical connector assemblies (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 25 are arranged parallel to each other and in an array along the longitudinal direction (Y); A shield (3) is used to accommodate the plurality of electrical connector assemblies (1) along the longitudinal direction (Y); Termination housing (4) for at least partially receiving the shielding member (3) along the vertical (Z) direction; and The socket housing (5) is used to at least partially receive the termination housing (4) and the shield (3) along the longitudinal direction (Y).

22. The electrical connector (2) according to claim 21, further comprising: An external seal (6) is fitted onto the outer surface of the shield (3) and sealed between the outer surface of the shield (3) and the inner surface of the socket housing (5).

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