High-speed FFC cable connector

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a cable assembly, a cable connector, and a board connector, including an assembly housing having a top wall and a bottom wall, a first flat flexible cable and a second flat flexible cable stacked on each other, and a separator, the ends of the ends of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable including contact discs, the assembly housing sleeves the ends of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable, and the contact disc is exposed out of the assembly housing. The first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable are maintained between the top wall and the bottom wall. The spacer is sandwiched between the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable. The cable assembly can be conveniently detached from the connector housing for integral replacement, or the FFC can be conveniently detached from the assembly housing of the cable assembly for maintenance or replacement of the FFC.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to connectors, and more specifically, to a cable assembly that can be easily mounted in a connector housing, and a cable connector having the cable assembly; it also relates to a board connector adapted to the cable connector. This electrical connector is particularly suitable for harsh environments with high vibration, such as vehicles, and more specifically, for new energy vehicles. Background Technology

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

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

[0004] Modern automobiles are an example of electronic systems where components are connected by cables. For instance, a car includes an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) that controls various vehicle systems such as the engine, transmission (TCU), safety systems, emission control, lighting, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), entertainment systems, navigation systems, and cameras. An ECU can be manufactured as multiple separate components and connected by one or more cables running between these components. To simplify manufacturing, one component may include one or more cable connections terminated with electrical connectors that are compatible with electrical connectors within another component that terminate to other cables and / or electrical connectors attached to a circuit board within that other component. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To at least partially address the problems existing in the prior art, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a cable assembly is provided, comprising: an assembly housing having a top wall and a bottom wall; a first flat flexible cable and a second flat flexible cable stacked together, the ends of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable including contact discs, the assembly housing being sleeved on the ends of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable and the contact discs being exposed outside the assembly housing, the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable being held between the top wall and the bottom wall; and a separator sandwiched between the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable.

[0006] For example, the first flat flexible cable is adjacent to the top wall, and the second flat flexible cable is adjacent to the bottom wall; the top wall is provided with a top wall clamping part protruding toward the first flat flexible cable, and the bottom wall is provided with a bottom wall clamping part protruding toward the second flat flexible cable. Along the stacking direction of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable, the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable are clamped between the top wall clamping part and the bottom wall clamping part.

[0007] Exemplarily, each of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable includes a substrate, a cable conductor formed on the substrate, and an insulating layer covering the cable conductor, the insulating layer exposing the cable conductor at the end of the corresponding flat flexible cable to form a contact disc, wherein: the top wall clamping portion includes a first top wall clamping portion, the side edge of the first flat flexible cable is clamped between the separator and the first top wall clamping portion, and the edge of the first flat flexible cable does not include the cable conductor; and the bottom wall clamping portion includes a first bottom wall clamping portion, the side edge of the second flat flexible cable is clamped between the separator and the first bottom wall clamping portion, and the edge of the second flat flexible cable does not include the cable conductor.

[0008] For example, the first top wall clamping portion and the first bottom wall clamping portion are configured to apply rigid forces to the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable, respectively.

[0009] For example, the component housing has two opposite ends along the length direction of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable, and each of the two ends is provided with a first top wall clamping portion and a first bottom wall clamping portion.

[0010] Exemplarily, each of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable includes a substrate, a cable conductor formed on the substrate, and an insulating layer covering the cable conductor, the insulating layer exposing the cable conductor at the end of the corresponding flat flexible cable to form a contact disc, wherein: the top wall clamping portion includes a second top wall clamping portion, the middle portion of the first flat flexible cable is clamped between the separator and the second top wall clamping portion; and the bottom wall clamping portion includes a second bottom wall clamping portion, the middle portion of the second flat flexible cable is clamped between the separator and the second bottom wall clamping portion.

[0011] For example, the second top wall clamping portion and the second bottom wall clamping portion are configured to apply elastic forces to the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable, respectively.

[0012] For example, the second top wall clamping portion includes a beam extending from the top wall and abutting against the first flat flexible cable; and the second bottom wall clamping portion includes a beam extending from the bottom wall and abutting against the second flat flexible cable.

[0013] For example, the second top wall clamping portion and the second bottom wall clamping portion are located in the middle of the component housing in the width direction of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable.

[0014] For example, the component housing includes a first housing and a second housing, wherein: the first housing includes a top wall and a first side wall extending from the top wall to the bottom wall and opposing each other along the width direction of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable; the second housing includes a bottom wall and a second side wall extending from the bottom wall to the top wall and opposing each other along the width direction; the first side wall and the second side wall are connected to each other to limit the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable along the width direction.

[0015] For example, each of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable has a first notch on its side edge, and at least a portion of the first sidewall and the second sidewall are embedded in the first notch to limit the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable along the length direction of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable.

[0016] For example, the first sidewall is connected to the second sidewall by a snap-fit.

[0017] For example, the portions of the first sidewall and / or the second sidewall that are embedded into the first notch are connected together by snap-fit.

[0018] For example, the first sidewall includes a first inner portion and a first outer portion arranged sequentially along the length direction, and the second sidewall includes a second inner portion and a second outer portion arranged sequentially along the length direction. The first inner portion and the second inner portion are staggered along the length direction and clamp the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable along the width direction. The first outer portion and the second outer portion are staggered along the length direction and clamp the first inner portion and the second inner portion along the width direction.

[0019] For example, each of the first inner portion and the second inner portion includes an inner middle portion and an inner end portion, the inner middle portion being embedded in the first notch and the inner end portion being located outside the first notch; each of the first outer portion and the second outer portion includes an outer middle portion and an outer end portion, the outer middle portion abutting against the outer side of the inner middle portion and the outer end portion abutting against the outer side of the inner end portion.

[0020] For example, a raised rib is provided on the outer surface of the outer middle portion, and the raised rib is spaced apart from the outer end portion to form a gap for receiving the terminal locking assembly.

[0021] For example, a buckle is provided on the outer surface of the inner middle portion, and a buckle opening is provided on the outer middle portion. The buckle on the first housing engages with the buckle opening on the second housing, and the buckle on the second housing engages with the buckle opening on the first housing.

[0022] For example, with respect to the central axis of the cable assembly parallel to the width direction, the first inner portion is symmetrical to the second inner portion; and the first outer portion is symmetrical to the second outer portion.

[0023] For example, the side edge of the separator is provided with a second notch, and at least a portion of the first sidewall and the second sidewall are embedded in the second notch to limit the separator along the length direction.

[0024] For example, the first housing and the second housing have the same structure.

[0025] For example, the projection of the side edge of the separator in the horizontal plane coincides with the projection of the side edges of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable in the horizontal plane.

[0026] Exemplarily, the cable assembly includes a first type of cable assembly and a second type of cable assembly. Each of the first type of cable assembly and the second type of cable assembly includes an assembly housing, a first flat flexible cable, a second flat flexible cable, and a separator. Each of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable of the second type of cable assembly includes: a plurality of cable conductors extending along the length direction of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable; an insulating layer covering the plurality of cable conductors, the insulating layer exposing the ends of the plurality of cable conductors at the ends of the corresponding flat flexible cable ends to form a contact plate; and a shielding layer covering the insulating layer.

[0027] Another aspect of this application provides a cable connector, comprising: a connector housing having a mating portion; at least one cable assembly held by the connector housing, each of the at least one cable assembly including an assembly housing and a first flat flexible cable and a second flat flexible cable stacked thereon, wherein: the ends of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable include contact pads extending to the mating portion of the connector housing; the assembly housing is sleeved on the ends of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable, the contact pads being exposed outside the assembly housing; and the assembly housing is held within the connector housing.

[0028] For example, the mating portion includes a support portion having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other along the stacking direction of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable. A first groove and a second groove are respectively provided on the first surface and the second surface. The end of the first flat flexible cable is positioned in the first groove, and the contact plate of the first flat flexible cable faces the opening of the first groove. The end of the second flat flexible cable is positioned in the second groove, and the contact plate of the first flat flexible cable faces the opening of the second groove.

[0029] For example, a third groove is provided on a pair of opposite sidewalls of the first groove along the width direction of the first flat flexible cable, and the two side edges of the end of the first flat flexible cable are respectively inserted into the third groove.

[0030] For example, a fourth groove is provided on a pair of opposite sidewalls of the second groove along the width direction of the second flat flexible cable, and the two side edges of the end of the second flat flexible cable are respectively inserted into the fourth groove.

[0031] For example, each of at least one cable assembly includes a separator held to the assembly housing and sandwiched between a first flat flexible cable and a second flat flexible cable, and the thickness of the portion of the support between the first groove and the second groove is equal to the thickness of the separator.

[0032] For example, the connector housing further includes a mounting portion opposite to the mating portion along the length direction of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable, the component housing is inserted into the connector housing from the mounting portion, and the cable connector further includes a terminal locking assembly connected to the connector housing, the mating portion of the connector housing and the terminal locking assembly limiting the component housing along the length direction.

[0033] For example, the bottom wall of the connector housing is provided with a mounting hole communicating with the inner cavity of the connector housing, and the outer side of the component housing includes a gap extending along the stacking direction of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable, and the terminal locking assembly is inserted into the gap through the mounting hole to position the component housing.

[0034] For example, at least one cable assembly includes a first cable assembly and a second cable assembly, the first cable assembly being configured to transmit signals and the second cable assembly being configured to transmit power.

[0035] For example, for each of at least one cable assembly, a rib is provided on the inner surface of the connector housing, extending along the length direction of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable, and the rib is embedded in the assembly housing of the corresponding cable assembly.

[0036] Another aspect of this application provides a board connector, comprising: a main housing; a plurality of conductive terminals held on the main housing; a shielding shell surrounding the main housing in a circumferential direction surrounding the plurality of conductive terminals; and an outer shell surrounding the shielding shell in a circumferential direction.

[0037] For example, board connectors are used in electronic systems having cable connectors as described above, where the board connector is adapted to the cable connector.

[0038] The cable assembly can be easily removed from the connector housing for complete replacement, or the FFC cable can be easily removed from the cable assembly housing for maintenance or replacement.

[0039] A series of simplified concepts are introduced in the description of the invention, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This description is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0040] The advantages and features of this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference as part of this disclosure, are provided for understanding the disclosure. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and their descriptions, serving to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings,

[0042] Figure 1 A partial perspective view of an electronic system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the electronic system of the illustrated embodiment from another angle;

[0044] Figure 3 A perspective view of a cable connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 4 A perspective view of a cable assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A perspective view of a portion of the cable assembly in the illustrated embodiment;

[0047] Figure 6 An exploded view of a cable assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0048] Figure 7 A perspective view of a first flat flexible cable, a second flat flexible cable, and a separator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 8 An exploded view of a component housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a component housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a component housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 11 An exploded view of a cable connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 12 and Figure 13 These are cross-sectional views of a cable connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 14 An exploded view of a board connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0055] Figure 15 for Figure 14 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the board connector.

[0056] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0057] 10. Cable connector; 20. Board connector; 21. Main housing; 22. Conductive terminal; 23. Shielding shell; 231. Board lock; 24. Outer shell; 100. Connector housing; 101. Mating surface; 102. Mounting surface; 110. Mating part; 111. Support part; 1111. First surface; 1111a. First groove; 1111b. Third groove; 1112. Second surface; 1112a. Second groove; 120. Mounting part ; 130, Mounting hole; 140, Rib; 210, Connector locking assembly; 220, Terminal locking assembly; 221, First arm; 222, Second arm; 300, Assembly housing; 310, First housing; 311, Top wall; 312, Second top wall clamping part; 3121, Top side opening; 3122, Top side beam; 313, First side wall; 3131, First inner portion; 3132, First outer portion; 314, First top wall clamping part; 3 20. Second housing; 321. Bottom wall; 322. Second bottom wall clamping part; 3221. Bottom side opening; 3222. Bottom side beam; 323. Second side wall; 3231. Second inner portion; 3232. Second outer portion; 324. First bottom wall clamping part; 331a, 331b. Inner middle portion; 332a, 332b. Inner end portion; 333a, 333b. Outer middle portion; 334a, 334b. Outer end portion 340, snap fastener; 350, snap fastener opening; 360, rib; 400, FFC; 401, type I FFC; 402, type II FFC; 410, first notch; 411, first end; 412, second end; 420, contact plate; 430, base; 440, insulating layer; 450, first protrusion; 500, separator; 510, second notch; 511, first end; 512, second end; 520, second protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0058] In the following description, numerous details are provided to enable a thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the following description merely illustrates preferred embodiments of the disclosure, and that the disclosure can be practiced without one or more of these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion with this disclosure, some technical features well-known in the art have not been described in detail.

[0059] For interconnect systems in vehicles such as new energy vehicles, the increasing number of electronic components and faster data transmission rates are leading to higher demands for high-speed / high-density cables. Increasing cable density by adding more cables may increase assembly and maintenance difficulties and hinder the miniaturization of interconnect systems. Flexible flat cables (FFCs) are increasingly being used in interconnect systems. FFC cables can transmit both data signals and power, offering excellent compatibility; they also possess good flexibility.

[0060] The inventors understand and recognize the technology of using FFC cables to manufacture high-speed, high-density connectors, which can be economically assembled to provide high signal integrity and / or reliable power transmission at high density in harsh environments such as those encountered in vehicles. While FFC cables offer good electrical performance and low cost, their mechanical properties are inherently flawed. Excessive folding can potentially cause internal conductor breakage. Due to their thickness, they may tear under lateral shear forces. Over long-term use, wear may cause conductor warping or poor contact at the ends. Compared to connectors, FFC cables are relatively inexpensive as consumable parts. Therefore, during maintenance or repair, it is usually unnecessary to replace the plug connector; only the FFC cable needs to be replaced. The inventors also understand and recognize a cable assembly design that includes FFC cables, which can be easily detached from the connector housing for complete replacement; or the FFC cables can be easily detached from the assembly housing of the cable assembly for maintenance or replacement.

[0061] In some embodiments, the cable assembly may include a component housing, a first FFC, a second FFC, and a separator. The first and second FFCs may be clamped between the top and bottom walls of the component housing. The separator may be clamped between the first and second FFCs. The inventors understand and recognize that FFC cables are prone to tearing or detaching from the assembly that holds them in place when subjected to torsion. However, this portion does not twist when the FFC cable is flattened. Therefore, the component housing and separator clamp and secure the ends of each FFC cable, while also limiting their length and width, preventing misalignment of the FFC cable ends and thus avoiding wiring sequence errors. Furthermore, the separator, together with the support portion in the connector housing, can support the first and second FFCs, keeping the ends of the first and second FFCs within the connector housing flat. Moreover, the component housing can be easily assembled into the connector housing.

[0062] In some embodiments, the cable assembly may include a first type FFC with a low density of cable conductors, suitable for transmitting low-speed signals and / or power. In some embodiments, the cable assembly may include a second type FFC with a high density of cable conductors, suitable for transmitting high-speed, high-density signals. Exemplarily, compared to the first type FFC, the second type FFC may additionally include a shielding layer such as copper foil or aluminum foil covering the surface of the insulation layer to improve electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance.

[0063] The inventors also understand and recognize that by forming separate cable assemblies, the ends of the first and second FFCs can be precisely positioned relative to the assembly housing. Then, by inserting the cable assembly into the connector housing, the cable assembly can be easily positioned to the connector housing, thereby improving assembly accuracy and the electrical performance of the connector, and also resulting in better batch consistency.

[0064] In some embodiments, the top and bottom walls of the cable assembly housing may include a top wall clamp and a bottom wall clamp, respectively. The top and bottom wall clamps reliably clamp the stacked first FFC, separator, and second FFC. This reduces the machining precision required for the assembly housing and avoids large-area contact between the top and bottom walls and the first and second FFCs. Typically, an FFC cable may include a substrate, cable conductors formed on the substrate, and an insulation layer covering the cable conductors. The substrate typically has a certain thickness to ensure a certain mechanical strength while maintaining flexibility. In some embodiments, the top and bottom wall clamps may include a first top wall clamp and a first bottom wall clamp, respectively, clamping the side edges of the first and second FFCs. The first top wall clamp and the first bottom wall clamp do not contact the insulation layer and the cable conductors. Optionally, the first top wall clamp and the first bottom wall clamp may be rigid. Exemplarily, the first top wall clamp and the first bottom wall clamp may be configured as protrusions. In some embodiments, the top wall clamp and the bottom wall clamp may each include a second top wall clamp and a second bottom wall clamp, respectively, clamping the intermediate region of the first FFC and the second FFC. The second top wall clamp and the second bottom wall clamp may respectively press against the insulation layers of the first FFC and the second FFC. Optionally, the second top wall clamp and the second bottom wall clamp may be configured to apply an elastic force to the first FFC and the second FFC to avoid damage to the insulation layers and cable conductors of the FFC cable. Exemplarily, the second top wall clamp and the second bottom wall clamp may be configured as beams. In some embodiments, the top wall clamp may include the first top wall clamp and the second top wall clamp described above. The bottom wall clamp may include the first bottom wall clamp and the second bottom wall clamp described above.

[0065] Exemplarily, the component housing may include a first housing and a second housing. The first housing may include the aforementioned top wall, and the second housing may include the aforementioned bottom wall. Furthermore, the first housing may also include a first side wall extending downward from the top wall, and the second housing may also include a second side wall extending upward from the bottom wall. The first side wall and the second side wall may be interconnected. Exemplarily, the first side wall and the second side wall may be interconnected by snap-fit.

[0066] Exemplarily, the side edges of the first FFC and the second FFC may include a first notch. The separator may include a second notch. At least a portion of at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall may be embedded within the first notch and / or the second notch for positioning the first FFC, the second FFC, and the separator along the length direction of the FFC cable. Exemplarily, the first sidewall may include a first inner portion and a first outer portion, and the second sidewall may include a second inner portion and a second outer portion. The first inner portion and the second inner portion may be arranged sequentially along the length direction of the cable. The first outer portion and the second outer portion abut against the outer sides of the first inner portion and the second inner portion, respectively, and they position the first FFC, the second FFC, and the separator along the width direction of the cable.

[0067] Exemplarily, the first inner portion and the second inner portion can be symmetrical about a first central axis perpendicular to the width direction of the cable. The first outer portion and the second outer portion can be symmetrically arranged about the first central axis. Exemplarily, each of the first inner portion and the second inner portion can be symmetrically arranged about a second central axis perpendicular to the length direction. Exemplarily, each of the first outer portion and the second outer portion can be symmetrically arranged about the second central axis. Thus, the first housing and the second housing can have the same construction, thereby reducing the number of molds and reducing processing costs. During assembly, it is only necessary to rotate one housing 180 degrees relative to the other housing and then connect the two together. Exemplarily, each of the first outer portion and the second outer portion can include an outer middle portion and an outer end portion. A rib can be provided on the outer surface of the outer middle portion, which can be spaced apart from the outer end portion to form a gap for a receiving terminal locking assembly. The receiving terminal locking assembly can hold the cable assembly on the connector housing.

[0068] Exemplarily, the connector housing of the cable connector may include a mating portion and a mounting portion opposite each other along the length of the FFC cable, and a mounting channel extending from the mounting portion into the mating portion. The component housing with the FFC cable mounted can be mounted from the mounting portion into the mounting channel until the front end of the component housing abuts against the mating portion. A support portion may be provided in the mounting channel within the mating portion, dividing the mounting channel into two sub-channels. The ends of the first and second FFCs, each with a contact plate, can be accommodated in the two sub-channels respectively. The component housing is then held in the connector housing by a terminal locking assembly. Exemplarily, the terminal locking assembly can be snapped onto the connector housing.

[0069] For example, the first surface of the separator may include grooves facing each other along the width direction of the FFC cable, and the two side edges of the end of the first FFC can be inserted into the grooves respectively to position the end of the first FFC. For example, the second surface of the separator may include grooves facing each other along the width direction of the FFC cable. The second surface and the first surface may be facing each other along the stacking direction of the FFC. The two side edges of the end of the second FFC can be inserted into the grooves respectively to position the end of the second FFC.

[0070] For example, the cable connector can mate with an adapter connector, such as a board connector. The board connector may include a main housing, a plurality of conductive terminals, a shielding shell, and an outer housing. The plurality of conductive terminals may be held on the main housing. The shielding shell may surround the main housing in a circumferential direction surrounding the plurality of conductive terminals. The outer housing may surround the shielding shell in a circumferential direction.

[0071] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A portion of an electronic system, such as that used in an automobile, is shown for interconnecting multiple electronic devices within the system. As shown, the electronic system may include cable connectors 10 and board connectors 20 that are mutually adapted and detachably connected to each other. Board connectors 20 may be mounted to a circuit board (not shown), such as a first circuit board. Cable connectors 10 may include cables. Cable connectors 10 can be electrically connected via cables to electronic devices such as another circuit board (e.g., a second circuit board) to allow a certain distance between the second circuit board and the first circuit board. The cables may include flexible flat cables (FFC) 400. Cable connectors 10 and board connectors 20 can provide interconnection between the first and second circuit boards. Typically, the first circuit board with board connectors 20 mounted may be fixed to another electronic device. In harsh environments such as those presented by automobiles, the electronic system can transmit data signals and / or power signals while being subjected to vibration.

[0072] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a connector locking assembly 210 may be mounted on the top of the cable connector 10. Exemplarily, the connector locking assembly 210 may mate with a structure on the top of the cable connector 10 to lock the cable connector 10 and the board connector 20 together, preventing accidental separation. The cable connector 10 may include a mating portion 110 that can be adapted to connect with the board connector 20 mentioned below. Along the direction of mating between the cable connector 10 and the board connector 20, the cable connector 10 has a mating surface 101 facing the board connector 20 (see...). Figure 3 The mating surface 101 may also be referred to as the front surface. The mating portion 110 extends from the mating surface 101 toward the board connector 20. The cable connector 10 may also include a mounting portion 120. The mounting portion 120 and the mating portion 110 may be located at both ends of the cable connector 10. The mounting portion 120 may extend to the mounting surface 102 of the cable connector 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating surface 101 and the mounting surface 102 are generally parallel, so that the end of the cable, for example, the FFC 400, within the connector housing 100 of the cable connector 10 is generally straight. In embodiments not shown, the mating surface 101 and the mounting surface 102 may be perpendicular to each other, and the end of the FFC 400 within the connector housing 100 may have a bend. The FFC 400 may be mounted from the mounting portion 120 into the connector housing 100 and extends to the mating portion 110. The FFC 400 may be configured to have a contact pad, or the FFC 400 may be electrically connected to a contact pad within the mating portion 110. The contact plate may be located within the mating portion 110. The connector housing 100 may include a mounting channel extending from the mounting portion 120 to the mating portion 110 for receiving cable assemblies, which will be mentioned below.

[0073] To facilitate installation and replacement of the FFC 400, the FFC 400 can be mounted within the mounting channel of the connector housing 100 via the component housing 300. (Refer to the reference...) Figures 4 to 6 The component housing 300 and FFC 400 can form a cable assembly. The component housing 300 may include a top wall 311 and a bottom wall 321. Each cable connector 10 may include one or more sets of FFC 400. Each set of FFC 400 can form a separate cable assembly. In embodiments where multiple sets of FFC 400 exist, the multiple sets of FFC 400 can be of the same type and used to transmit the same signal, such as any one of high-speed data signals, low-speed data signals, and power signals. Figure 4Two cable assemblies placed side by side are shown. Exemplarily, one set of FFCs 400 may include a first type of FFC 401, such as a power FFC; and the other set of FFCs 400 may include a second type of FFC 402, such as a signal FFC. For distinction, the cable assemblies including the first type of FFC 401 and the second type of FFC 402 are referred to as first type cable assembly A and second type cable assembly B, respectively. Each cable assembly may include its own assembly housing 300. To reduce manufacturing costs, the assembly housings 300 in different cable assemblies may have the same or similar construction.

[0074] Figure 5 A perspective view of the first type of cable assembly A after part of the housing has been removed is shown. Figure 6 An exploded view of type A cable assembly is shown. The following will use type A cable assembly as an example, combined with... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The principles of this application are described below. A first type FFC 401 in a first type cable assembly A may include a first flat flexible cable 401a and a second flat flexible cable 401b stacked together. The ends of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b may be secured within the connector housing 100 via the assembly housing 300. A contact disc 420 may be included at the end of this end. The contact disc 420 is used to make electrical contact with corresponding terminals of the board connector 20 when the cable connector 10 is mated to the board connector 20. The contact disc 420 is electrically connected to, or formed by, cable conductors within the FFC 400. Return to Reference Figure 4 The density of contact pads 420 in the first type FFC 401 can be greater than the density of contact pads 420 in the second type FFC 402. For example, when the first type FFC 401 is used for power transmission, its contact pads 420 may be configured as a single unit. When the second type FFC 402 is used for signal transmission, its contact pads 420 may be configured as multiple independent units. The second type FFC 402 can be a high-speed / high-density cable.

[0075] The component housing 300 is sleeved on the ends of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b that are fixed inside the connector housing 100. The contact plate 420 may be exposed outside the component housing 300. The component housing 300 can be held in position relative to the FFC 400 by clamping, abutting, or adhesive. In this way, after the cable assemblies A and B are inserted into the connector housing 100 of the cable connector 10, the positions of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b will not move relative to each other. This facilitates the replacement of cable assemblies A and B. The first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b are held between the top wall 311 and the bottom wall 321 of the component housing 300. The component housing 300 may be integrally molded or may comprise multiple components manufactured separately and assembled together. In some embodiments, the multiple components may be joined together by ultrasonic welding or adhesive. Exemplarily, the component housing 300 and the connector housing 100 may be molded from an insulating material such as plastic. Plastics may include, but are not limited to, liquid crystal polymers (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-temperature nylon, or poly(p-phenylene oxide) (PPO) or polypropylene (PP), or other materials may be used. In some cases, the plastic may be a thermosetting plastic. In some cases, insulating plastics may contain insulating materials such as glass fiber reinforced materials.

[0076] The mechanical strength of the FFC is relatively low compared to that of the component housing 300, making it prone to bending under external force. Therefore, without support, the FFC may not generate sufficient clamping force with the terminals on the adapter connector (e.g., board connector 20), potentially leading to poor contact. Thus, a support portion 111 is provided within the connector housing 100 of the cable connector 10, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the support portion 111 can be located within the mating portion 110. Exemplarily, the support portion 111 can divide the mounting channel within the connector housing 100 into two parts.

[0077] The FFC 400, including at least the portion with contact plate 420, can be mounted onto the support 111. After the cable connector 10 mates with the adapter connector, the support 111 can be inserted into the adapter connector. The FFC 400 can be clamped between the support 111 and the terminals of the adapter connector, thus ensuring reliable electrical contact. Figure 7As shown, the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b of cable assembly A are stacked. The front sides of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b each have contact pads 420 and face opposite directions. The back sides of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b, opposite to their front sides, can be supported on different sides of the support portion 111. Exemplarily, multiple support portions 111 can be provided for multiple cable assemblies, such as cable assembly A and cable assembly B. The multiple support portions 111 can be arranged in a row along the width direction of FFC 400, and there can be gaps between adjacent support portions 111. The mating portion of the adapter connector can be inserted into this gap to improve the mechanical strength of the mating portion of the adapter connector and reduce interference between adjacent cable assemblies. In some embodiments, the gaps between adjacent support portions 111 can also serve a positioning and foolproof function.

[0078] Exemplarily, cable assembly A may further include a separator 500. The separator 500 may be sandwiched between a first flat flexible cable 401a and a second flat flexible cable 401b. Specifically, two opposing surfaces of the separator 500 are respectively abutted against the back surfaces of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b. The contact disc 420 may extend forward beyond the separator 500. The separator 500 allows the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b to form a gap at the portion with the separator 500 for accommodating the support portion 111. To ensure the flatness of the FFC 400, the thickness of the support portion 111 may be comparable to the thickness of the support portion 111 within the connector housing 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the portion of the FFC 400 with the contact disc 420 is fully supported on the support portion 111 to ensure that the contact disc 420 abuts against a flat surface. Alternatively, in other embodiments not shown, the portion of the FFC 400 having the contact disc 420 may be at least partially supported on the separator 500.

[0079] Furthermore, the separator 500 can also cooperate with the component housing 300 to reliably secure the ends of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b to the component housing 300. Exemplarily, the first flat flexible cable 401a is adjacent to the top wall 311, and the second flat flexible cable 401b is adjacent to the bottom wall 321. The first flat flexible cable 401a can be held in a desired position by being clamped by the top wall 311 and the separator 500. The second flat flexible cable 401b can be held in a desired position by being clamped by the bottom wall 321 and the separator 500. Optionally, the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b can be secured to the separator 500 by means of adhesive or the like. Alternatively, the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b are held between the top wall 311 and the separator 500, and between the bottom wall 321 and the separator 500, respectively, solely by the clamping force between the top wall 311 and the bottom wall 321. Exemplarily, at least a portion of the separator 500 may be located within the component housing 300. The separator 500 may be detachable relative to the component housing 300 to facilitate the assembly of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b.

[0080] Each of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b may have a first feature on its side, such as a first protrusion 450 protruding along the width direction of the cable, see [reference]. Figures 5 to 7 and Figures 10 to 11 The first feature portion can mate with a first adapter feature portion on the component housing 300. When assembling the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b with the component housing 300, it can be ensured that the component housing 300 is positioned at the desired location along the length of the cable. Similarly, the side of the separator 500 can have a second feature portion, such as a second protrusion 520 protruding along the width direction of the cable. The second feature portion can mate with a second adapter feature portion on the component housing 300, thereby precisely positioning the separator 500 on the component housing 300. Exemplarily, the first protrusion 450 and the second protrusion 520 can be aligned along the length of the cable, such that the first adapter feature portion and the second adapter feature portion on the component housing 300 can be configured to simultaneously engage the same recesses of the mutually aligned first protrusion 450 and second protrusion 520.

[0081] Therefore, the cable assembly can be easily removed from the connector housing for complete replacement, or the FFC cable can be easily removed from the cable assembly housing for maintenance or replacement.

[0082] Exemplarily, the top wall 311 may be provided with a top wall clamping portion protruding toward the first flat flexible cable 401a, and the bottom wall 321 may be provided with a bottom wall clamping portion protruding toward the second flat flexible cable 401b. Along the stacking direction of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b, the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b are clamped between the top wall clamping portion and the bottom wall clamping portion. The top wall clamping portion and the bottom wall clamping portion reduce the contact area between the top wall 311 and the bottom wall 321 and the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b. This reduces wear on the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b caused by the top wall 311 and the bottom wall 321. Furthermore, the requirements for the machining accuracy of the top wall 311 and the bottom wall 321 can be reduced.

[0083] For example, such as Figures 4 to 7 As shown, each of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b may include a substrate 430, a cable conductor formed on the substrate 430, and an insulating layer 440 covering the cable conductor. The substrate 430 may be insulating. The substrate 430 typically has a greater thickness and mechanical strength than the insulating layer 440, but has a certain degree of flexibility. The cable conductor may be formed on the substrate 430 by means of bonding or heat fusion. The insulating layer 440 exposes the cable conductor at the end of the corresponding flat flexible cable to form a contact disc 420. The sides of the flat flexible cables 401a and 401b may have portions that do not include cable conductors. These portions may consist only of the substrate 430 alone, or may consist only of the substrate 430 and the insulating layer 440.

[0084] The number of cable conductors on the substrate 430 of the first type FFC 401 may be less than the number of cable conductors on the substrate 430 of the second type FFC 402, resulting in a different number of contact pads 420 for the two types. Typically, the number of cable conductors and contact pads 420 corresponds one-to-one. However, this application does not exclude the possibility of unequal numbers of cable conductors and contact pads 420. In the illustrated embodiment, where each first type FFC 401 includes only one contact pad 420, the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b of the first type cable assembly A can be connected to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply, respectively. In embodiments not shown, each first type FFC 401 may also include multiple contact pads. Exemplarily, each of the first flat flexible cable 402a and the second flat flexible cable 402b of the second type cable assembly B may include multiple cable conductors and multiple contact pads for transmitting high-speed and / or high-density signals. Therefore, each of the first flat flexible cable 402a and the second flat flexible cable 402b in the second type of cable assembly B may further include a shielding layer (not shown) covering the insulation layer 440. The shielding layer may include, but is not limited to, copper foil, aluminum foil, conductive adhesive, etc. Furthermore, since the two types of cables have similar structures, cable assemblies A and B, which respectively include the first type FFC 401 and the second type FFC 402, may have similar structures. For simplicity, only one type of cable assembly will be described.

[0085] For example, such as Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the top wall clamping portion may include a first top wall clamping portion 314. The side edge of the first flat flexible cable 401a is clamped between the separator 500 and the first top wall clamping portion 314. The side edge of the first flat flexible cable 401a does not include the cable conductor. In this way, the first flat flexible cable 401a can be fixed in all directions, and the pressure between the first top wall clamping portion 314 and the separator 500 will not act on the cable conductor. This can prevent the cable conductor from thinning or even breaking under large external forces or long-term use.

[0086] For example, the bottom wall clamping portion may also include a first bottom wall clamping portion 324, with the side edge of the second flat flexible cable 401b clamped between the separator 500 and the first bottom wall clamping portion 324, and the side edge of the second flat flexible cable 401b does not include the cable conductor. This also prevents the cable conductor on it from being squeezed while fixing the second flat flexible cable 401b.

[0087] Exemplarily, the first top wall clamping portion 314 and the first bottom wall clamping portion 324 are configured to apply rigid forces to the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b, respectively. In the mating state, the gap between the first top wall clamping portion 314 and the first bottom wall clamping portion 324 can be just slightly less than the total thickness of the first flat flexible cable 401a, the second flat flexible cable 401b, and the separator 500. This allows sufficient pressure to exist between the component housing 300, the separator 500, and the two FFCs, with only the flat flexible cables and / or the separator 500 experiencing minor deformation. Under external force, it can further prevent the flat flexible cables from being pulled out.

[0088] Exemplarily, the component housing 300 may have two opposite ends along the length direction of the cable. Each end is provided with a first top wall clamping portion 314 and a first bottom wall clamping portion 324. The first top wall clamping portion 314 and the first bottom wall clamping portion 324 may be aligned along the stacking direction of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b. Exemplarily, on both sides of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b, mutually aligned first top wall clamping portions 314 and first bottom wall clamping portions 324 are provided. Clamping force can be provided at all four corners of the cable assembly A. Thus, the cable assembly is compact overall.

[0089] For example, refer to Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The top wall clamping portion may include a second top wall clamping portion 312, with the middle portion of the first flat flexible cable 401a clamped between the separator 500 and the second top wall clamping portion 312. The bottom wall clamping portion may further include a second bottom wall clamping portion 322, with the middle portion of the second flat flexible cable 401b clamped between the separator 500 and the second bottom wall clamping portion 322. This further ensures the position of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b within the component housing 300.

[0090] Exemplarily, the second top wall clamping portion 312 and the second bottom wall clamping portion 322 are configured to apply elastic forces to the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b, respectively. This constrains the movement of the FFC in the stacking direction and also provides auxiliary constraint from within a plane parallel to the FFC. The elastic force causes almost no deformation to the cable conductors and / or shielding layer (if present) in the FFC, and will not affect the signal transmission of the FFC even after prolonged use. The second top wall clamping portion 312 and the second bottom wall clamping portion 322 can effectively absorb the impact when subjected to external forces.

[0091] For example, the second top wall clamping portion 312 may include a beam extending from the top wall 311 and abutting against the first flat flexible cable 401a, and the second bottom wall clamping portion 322 may include a beam extending from the bottom wall 321 and abutting against the second flat flexible cable 401b. Return to Reference Figure 6 In the embodiment shown in the figure, the top wall 311 may include a plurality of top side openings 3121 and a top side beam 3122 extending from one side of each of the plurality of top side openings 3121 to the other side. The bottom wall 321 may also include a plurality of bottom side openings 3221 and a bottom side beam 3222 extending from one side of each of the plurality of bottom side openings 3221 to the other side. On the one hand, these beams 3122 and 3222 have good elasticity; on the other hand, compared to the embodiment in which additional protrusions are provided on the top wall 311 and the bottom wall 321 as a second top wall clamping part 312 and a second bottom wall clamping part 322, Figure 6 The overall thickness of the component housing 300 in the illustrated embodiment does not increase. In embodiments not shown, the beam may connect between two opposite sides of the opening, or between three or four sides. In other embodiments, the opening may be circular, elliptical, or other shapes.

[0092] For example, the second top wall clamping portion 312 and the second bottom wall clamping portion 322 can be located in the middle of the component housing 300 in the width direction of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b. Taking the top wall 311 of the component housing 300 as an example, a top side opening 3121 is provided in the middle of the top wall 311, and there is sufficient material around the top side opening 3121. This ensures that the strength of the top wall 311 is hardly affected. As shown in the figure, two of the three second top wall clamping portions 312 can be arranged side by side in the wider part of the top wall 311, and the other can be arranged in the narrower part of the top wall 311. This avoids the reduction in strength caused by concentrated hollowing in a certain area.

[0093] Exemplarily, the top wall 311 and the bottom wall 321 may be located on two separate portions of the component housing 300. The component housing 300 may include a first housing 310 and a second housing 320. The first housing 310 includes a top wall 311 and a first side wall 313 extending from the top wall 311 to the bottom wall 321. The first side walls 313 may be opposite each other along the width direction of the cable. Exemplarily, the first side walls 313 on both sides may be symmetrically arranged. Similarly, the second housing 320 may include a bottom wall 321 and a second side wall 323 extending from the bottom wall 321 to the top wall 311. The second side walls 323 are also opposite each other along the width direction of the cable. Exemplarily, the second side walls 323 on both sides may be symmetrically arranged. Continuing to refer to Figure 6The first sidewall 313 and the second sidewall 323 are interconnected to limit the first flat flexible cable 401a, the second flat flexible cable 401b, and the separator 500 along the width direction of the cable. The two side edges of the first flat flexible cable 401a, the second flat flexible cable 401b, and the separator 500 can abut against the first sidewall 313 and the second sidewall 323, making the cable assembly A more compact. As shown, a portion of the first sidewall 313 abuts against the two side edges of the first flat flexible cable 401a, the second flat flexible cable 401b, and the separator 500. The second sidewall 323 can be complementary to the first sidewall 313, and a portion of the second sidewall 323 abuts against the two side edges of the first flat flexible cable 401a, the second flat flexible cable 401b, and the separator 500. The aforementioned portions of the first sidewall 313 and the second sidewall 323 can be arranged sequentially or alternately along the length direction of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b. Thus, when the first sidewall 313 and the second sidewall 323 are engaged, they can fit against the sides of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b. This allows for cable positioning on the portion of the entire component housing 300 corresponding to the cable.

[0094] Exemplarily, each of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b has a first notch 410 on its side edge. The first notch 410 may be adjacent to a first protrusion 450. When multiple first protrusions 450 exist on the sides of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b, the first notch 410 may be located between adjacent first protrusions 450. As shown, the first notch 410 may be formed on the portion of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b excluding the cable conductor, such as on a substrate 430. At least a portion of the first sidewall 313 and the second sidewall 323 is embedded in the first notch 410 to limit the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b along their length direction. Thus, no additional locking structure is required.

[0095] Exemplarily, the first sidewall 313 can be connected to the second sidewall 323 via a snap-fit ​​connection. This snap-fit ​​structure facilitates manufacturing and can be fabricated together during the injection molding of the first housing 310 and the second housing 320. The snap-fit ​​structure allows the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 to be easily and reliably connected together. Assembly is achieved by aligning and pressing the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 together. When subsequently replacing the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b separately, the snap-fit ​​structure allows for relatively easy separation of the first housing 310 and the second housing 320, whether using tools or by hand. In other embodiments not shown, the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 can also be connected to each other by any suitable method such as ultrasonic welding or bonding.

[0096] For example, refer to Figure 8 The first sidewall 313 may include a first inner portion 3131 and a first outer portion 3132 arranged sequentially along the length of the cable. The first inner portion 3131 and the first outer portion 3132 may be spaced apart. The first inner portion 3131 and the first outer portion 3132 may substantially occupy the entire length of the first housing 310. The first inner portion 3131 and the first outer portion 3132 may be symmetrically arranged about a central axis parallel to the length direction. In the illustrated embodiment, each side of the first housing 310 includes one first inner portion 3131 and one first outer portion 3132. In other embodiments not shown, each side of the first housing 310 may include multiple first inner portions 3131 and / or multiple first outer portions 3132, in which case the first inner portions 3131 and the first outer portions 3132 may be arranged alternately.

[0097] The second sidewall 323 may include a second inner portion 3231 and a second outer portion 3232 arranged sequentially along its length. The second inner portion 3231 and the second outer portion 3232 may be spaced apart. The second inner portion 3231 and the second outer portion 3232 may substantially occupy the entire length of the second housing 320. The second inner portion 3231 and the second outer portion 3232 may be symmetrically arranged about a central axis parallel to the length direction. In the illustrated embodiment, each side of the second housing 320 includes one second inner portion 3231 and one second outer portion 3232. In other embodiments not shown, each side of the first housing 310 may include a plurality of second inner portions 3231 and / or a plurality of second outer portions 3232, in which case the second inner portions 3231 and the second outer portions 3232 may be arranged alternately.

[0098] Figure 10A cross-sectional view of a cable assembly according to an exemplary embodiment is shown, wherein a first housing 310 and a second housing 320 are assembled together. A first inner portion 3131 and a second inner portion 3231 are offset along the length of the cable and abut against and clamp a first flat flexible cable 401a and a second flat flexible cable 401b along the width of the cable. A first outer portion 3132 and a second outer portion 3232 are offset along the length of the cable and clamp the first inner portion 3131 and the second inner portion 3231 respectively along the width of the cable. In other words, a portion of the sidewall of the first housing 310 is located inside the sidewall of the second housing 320, and a portion of the sidewall of the second housing 320 is located inside the sidewall of the first housing 310, such that the first inner portion 3131 of the first housing 310 is clamped by the second outer portion 3232 of the second housing 320, while the first outer portion 3132 of the first housing 310 clamps the second inner portion 3231 of the second housing 320. This increases the mechanical strength of the sidewalls of the component housing 300. Furthermore, it allows the first inner portion 3131 and the second outer portion 3232 to be connected together via snap-fit; and / or allows the first outer portion 3132 and the second inner portion 3231 to be connected together via snap-fit.

[0099] For example, in conjunction with the reference Figures 8 to 10Each of the first inner portion 3131 and the second inner portion 3231 includes an inner middle portion and an inner end portion. The inner middle portions of both the first inner portion 3131 and the second inner portion 3231 are embedded within a first notch 410 at the side edge of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b, while the inner end portions of both the first inner portion 3131 and the second inner portion 3231 are located outside the first notch 410. For clarity, the inner middle portion of the first housing 310 is designated 331a, and the inner end portion of the first housing 310 is designated 332a. Similarly, the inner middle portion of the second housing 320 is designated 331b, and the inner end portion of the second housing 320 is designated 332b. Each of the first outer portion 3132 and the second outer portion 3232 includes an outer middle portion and an outer end portion. To distinguish them, the outer middle portion and outer end portion of the first outer portion 3132 of the first housing 310 are labeled as 333a and 334a, respectively, and the outer middle portion and outer end portion of the second outer portion 3232 of the second housing 320 are labeled as 333b and 334b, respectively. The outer middle portions 333a and 333b abut against the outer sides of the inner middle portions 331b and 331a, respectively, and the outer end portions 334a and 334b ​​abut against the outer sides of the inner end portions 332b and 332a, respectively. In the figure, the inner middle portion 331b of the second housing 320 abuts against the first end 411 of the first notch 410, and the inner middle portion 331a of the first housing 310 abuts against the second end 412 of the first notch 410. Thus, the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b are both constrained by the component housing 300 along the entire length direction, maintaining their relative positions. The outer middle portion 333b of the second housing 320 abuts inward against the inner middle portion 331a of the first housing 310, and the outer end portion 332b of the second housing 320 abuts inward against the inner end portion 332a of the first housing 310. Simultaneously, the outer middle portion 333a of the first housing 310 abuts inward against the inner middle portion 331b of the second housing 320, and the outer end portion 332a of the first housing 310 abuts inward against the inner end portion 332b of the second housing 320.

[0100] Therefore, the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 can restrain each other's movement, while increasing structural strength. The assembled cable assembly can form multiple substantially flush outer surfaces, making it less prone to wobbling after installation into the connector housing 100. Furthermore, there are no large gaps after installation into the connector housing 100, preventing significant dust accumulation. Simultaneously, the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b are confined along the width direction of the cable between the inner end portions 332a and 332b and between the inner middle portions 331a and 331b, making horizontal movement less likely.

[0101] Exemplarily, at least one of the outer intermediate portions 333a and 333b of the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 may be provided with a rib 360, the rib 360 being spaced apart from the corresponding outer end portions 334a and 334b ​​to form a receiving terminal locking assembly 220 (see...). Figures 10 to 11 The gap. Optionally, in an embodiment where the outer middle portion 333a of the first housing 310 has a rib 360, the rib 360 may be spaced apart from the outer end portion 334a to form the first gap G1 of the receiving terminal locking assembly 220, see Figure 4 Optionally, in an embodiment where the outer middle portion 333b of the second housing 320 has a rib 360, the rib 360 may be spaced apart from the outer end portion 334b ​​to form a second gap G2 in the receiving terminal locking assembly 220. Optionally, both types of ribs 360 may coexist to form both the first gap G1 and the second gap G2. The outer middle portions 333a and 333b may have sufficient length for greater mechanical strength and sufficient space to accommodate the rib 360 and form the gap in the receiving terminal locking assembly 220. The rib 360 can hold the cable assembly A on the connector housing 100 along the length of the cable, thereby preventing the cable assembly A from detaching from the connector housing 100.

[0102] Exemplarily, at least one of the inner intermediate portions 331a and 331b may have a snap fastener 340 on its outer surface. Providing the snap fastener 340 in the inner intermediate portions 331a and 331b also facilitates demolding. Correspondingly, at least one of the outer intermediate portions 333a and 333b may have a snap fastener opening 350, which also facilitates demolding. The first housing 310 and the second housing 320 engage with the snap fastener opening 350 via at least one set of snap fasteners 340. In the illustrated embodiment, the snap fasteners 340 on the first housing 310 engage with the snap fastener opening 350 on the second housing 320, and the snap fasteners 340 on the second housing 320 engage with the snap fastener opening 350 on the first housing 310. This ensures that the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 are reliably engaged with each other.

[0103] For example, regarding the central axis of cable assembly A, parallel to the width direction of the cable, the first inner portion 3131 and the second inner portion 3231 are symmetrical. Furthermore, the first outer portion 3132 and the second outer portion 3232 are symmetrical. This simplifies the structure. Further, the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 can have the same structure. Thus, although the assembly housing 300 includes two parts, it can be implemented using only one mold. This significantly reduces production and storage costs, as well as assembly difficulty. Based on this, both the outer middle portion 333a of the first housing 310 and the outer middle portion 333b of the second housing 320 have protruding ribs 360, see [reference]. Figure 4 Therefore, a first gap G1 and a second gap G2 of the receiving terminal locking assembly 220 can be formed on both sides of the two sets of protruding ribs 360, respectively. See Figure 11 The terminal locking assembly 220 may have a pair of outermost first arms 221, which may have a snap-fit ​​mechanism for engaging with the connector housing 100. Furthermore, the terminal locking assembly 220 may have a plurality of second arms 222 located between the pair of first arms 221, arranged in rows parallel to the width direction of the cable. The second arms 222 may be inserted into a second gap G2 between a rib 360 and an outer end portion 334b ​​on the outer middle portion 333b of the second housing 320. In other embodiments not shown, by offsetting the row of second arms toward the front of the cable connector 10, the second arms may also be inserted into a first gap G1 between a rib 360 and an outer end portion 334a on the outer middle portion 333a of the first housing 310. Alternatively, two rows of second arms 222 parallel to the width direction of the cable may be provided to insert into the first gap G1 and the second gap G2. The number of second arms 222 in each row may be related to the number of cable assemblies limited by the terminal locking assembly 220. In the illustrated embodiment, a first type of cable assembly A and a second type of cable assembly B are included. Thus, each row may include three second arms 222. The first gap G1 and / or the second gap G2 between the first type of cable assembly A and the second type of cable assembly B may share the middle second arm 222, while the first gap G1 and / or the second gap G2 on both sides of the first type of cable assembly A and the second type of cable assembly B may utilize the two outer second arms 222 respectively.

[0104] Furthermore, in embodiments where the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 have the same structure, see [link to previous document]. Figure 8After assembly, the left half of the first housing 310 has the same structure as the right half of the second housing 320, and the right half of the first housing 310 has the same structure as the left half of the second housing 320. That is, the inner middle portion 331a of the first housing 310 has the same structure as the inner middle portion 331b of the second housing 320; the inner end portion 332a of the first housing 310 has the same structure as the inner end portion 332b of the second housing 320; the outer middle portion 333a of the first housing 310 has the same structure as the outer middle portion 333b of the second housing 320; and the outer end portion 334a of the first housing 310 has the same structure as the outer end portion 334b ​​of the second housing 320. Each of the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 is symmetrical about a central axis parallel to its length. During the assembly of component housing 300, two housings with the same structure can be selected. One of them can be rotated 180 degrees and then snapped together to form the first housing 310 and the second housing 320.

[0105] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 Regarding the first top wall clamping portion 314, the first top wall clamping portion 314 located at one end of the housing assembly 300 having inner end portions 332a and 332b (hereinafter referred to as the first end) can be connected to the inner end portions 332a and 332b respectively. The first top wall clamping portion 314 located at one end of the housing assembly 300 having outer end portions 334a and 334b ​​(hereinafter referred to as the second end) can be spaced apart from the outer end portions 334a and 334b ​​respectively, with the gap between them allowing the inner end portions 332a and 332b to be inserted. After insertion, at the first end, the first top wall clamping portions 314 of the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 can align and clamp the cable and the separator 500 along the cable stacking direction. Similarly, at the second end, the first top wall clamping portions 314 of the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 can align and clamp the cable and the separator 500 along the cable stacking direction. In other words, the inner end portion 332a of the first housing 310 is sandwiched between the first bottom wall clamping portion 324 and the outer end portion 334b ​​of the second housing 320, and the inner end portion 332b of the second housing 320 is sandwiched between the first top wall clamping portion 314 and the outer end portion 334a of the first housing 310.

[0106] Of course, this application does not exclude embodiments in which the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 have different structures. For example, the protruding rib 360 on the first housing 310 or the second housing 320 may be omitted; or the arrangement of the second top wall clamping part 312 and the second bottom wall clamping part 322 may be changed, and so on.

[0107] For example, the side edge of the separator 500 may be provided with a second notch 510, in conjunction with reference to the reference. Figure 7 and Figure 10 At least a portion of the first sidewall 313 and the second sidewall 323 can be embedded within the second notch 510 to limit the separator 500 along its length. The second notch 510 of the separator 500 has a size close to or the same as the first notch 410 of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b. In some embodiments, the second notch 510 also has a first end 511 and a second end 512, which can be aligned with the first end 411 and the second end 412 of the first notch 410 of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b, respectively. The first sidewall 313 and the second sidewall 323 can simultaneously abut against the ends of the first notch 410 and the second notch 510 to achieve limiting. In other embodiments, the second notch 510 of the separator 500 can have a different shape than the first notch 410, as long as it can maintain its position under the action of the first sidewall 313 and the second sidewall 323.

[0108] For example, the projection of the side edge of the separator 500 in the horizontal plane coincides with the projection of the side edges of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b in the horizontal plane. This provides optimal support for the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b, and the structure is simpler with the best limiting effect.

[0109] Another aspect of this application provides a cable connector 10, such as Figure 11 As shown, the connector 100 includes a connector housing 100. The connector housing 100 has a mating portion 110. The cable connector 10 also includes at least one cable assembly held by the connector housing 100. Each of the at least one cable assembly includes an assembly housing 300 and a first flat flexible cable 401a and a second flat flexible cable 401b stacked together. The ends of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b include a contact disc 420 extending into the mating portion 110 of the connector housing 100. The assembly housing 300 is sleeved on the ends of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b, with the contact disc 420 exposed outside the assembly housing 300. The assembly housing 300 is held within the connector housing 100. In some exemplary embodiments, at least one cable assembly includes a first cable assembly and a second cable assembly, the first cable assembly being configured for transmitting signals and the second cable assembly being configured for transmitting power. Using a single cable connector 10 to transmit both power and signals simultaneously simplifies wiring.

[0110] For example, such as Figure 13As shown, the connector housing 100 also includes a mounting portion 120 opposite to the mating portion 110 along the length of the cable. A mounting channel extends from the mounting surface 102 through the mounting portion 120 into the mating portion 110. The component housing 300 is inserted into the mounting channel of the connector housing 100 from the mounting portion 120. The inner surface of the mounting portion 120 can conform to the outer surface of the component housing 300. Thus, the cable assembly can be inserted from the mounting portion 120 into the connector housing 100 and can fit tightly with the connector housing 100. The component housing 300 of the cable assembly can only move in the length direction before it abuts against the mating portion 110 of the connector housing 100. The cable connector 10 may also include a terminal locking assembly 220. The terminal locking assembly 220 can be connected to the connector housing 100, and the mating portion 110 of the connector housing 100 and the terminal locking assembly 220 limit the component housing 300 along the length direction. When the component housing 300 abuts against the mating portion 110, it can only move backward. The terminal locking assembly 220 can restrict its rearward movement so that the cable assembly cannot detach from the connector housing 100.

[0111] For example, the mating portion 110 may include a support portion 111. The support portion 111 may divide the mounting channel within the mating portion 110 into two parts, each part respectively accommodating the portion of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b having a contact plate 420. Figure 12As shown, the support portion 111 has a first surface 1111 and a second surface 1112 facing each other along the stacking direction of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b. A first groove 1111a and a second groove 1112a are respectively provided on the first surface 1111 and the second surface 1112. The end of the first flat flexible cable 401a is positioned within the first groove 1111a, and the contact plate 420 of the first flat flexible cable 401a faces the opening of the first groove 1111a. The end of the second flat flexible cable 401b is positioned within the second groove 1112a, and the contact plate 420 of the first flat flexible cable 401a faces the opening of the second groove 1112a. Taking the first groove 1111a and the first flat flexible cable 401a as examples, the depth of the first groove 1111a can be equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the first flat flexible cable 401a. When the first flat flexible cable 401a enters the first groove 1111a, the contact plate 420 of the first flat flexible cable 401a is flush with or slightly lower than the height of the end of the support portion 111. When the cable connector 10 mates with the board connector 20, the terminals of the board connector 20 can smoothly transition between the end of the support portion 111 and the contact plate 410. This prevents the board connector 20 from pressing against the end surfaces of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b, thereby avoiding damage to the first flat flexible cable 401a, the second flat flexible cable 401b, and / or the terminals.

[0112] Exemplarily, a third groove 1111b may be provided on a pair of opposite sidewalls of the first groove 1111a along the width direction of the first flat flexible cable 401a, and the two side edges of the end of the first flat flexible cable 401a are respectively inserted into the third groove 1111b. In some embodiments, a fourth groove (not shown) may be provided on a pair of opposite sidewalls of the second groove 1112a along the width direction of the second flat flexible cable 401b, and the two side edges of the end of the second flat flexible cable 401b are respectively inserted into the fourth groove. In the cable connector 10 of some embodiments, only one of the third groove 1111b and the fourth groove may be provided, or both may be provided. During use, the FFC may warp due to aging, vibration, or its own stress. This may cause damage to the FFC or terminals when the cable connector 10 mates with the board connector 20. The third groove 1111b or the fourth groove can limit the warping of the FFC and extend its service life.

[0113] Exemplarily, each of the cable assemblies may include a separator 500, the separator 500 being held to the assembly housing 300 and sandwiched between a first flat flexible cable 401a and a second flat flexible cable 401b. Figure 12As shown, the thickness of the portion of the support member 111 between the first groove 1111a and the second groove 1112a is equal to the thickness of the separator 500. Therefore, when the cable assembly is installed to the connector housing 100, the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b, separated by the separator 500, can respectively enter the first groove 1111a and the second groove 1112a of the support member 111, and the two sides of the first flat flexible cable 401a are engaged in the third groove 1111b and / or the two sides of the second flat flexible cable 401b are engaged in the fourth groove.

[0114] For example, such as Figure 13 As shown, a mounting hole 130 communicating with the inner cavity of the connector housing 100 may be provided on the bottom wall of the connector housing 100. The outer surface of the component housing 300 includes gaps extending along the stacking direction of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b, such as the aforementioned first gap G1 and / or second gap G2. The terminal locking assembly 220 is inserted into the first gap G1 and / or the second gap G2 through the mounting hole 130 to position the component housing 300. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the terminal locking assembly 220 is not inserted into the first gap G1, but only into the second gap G2. And the second gap G2 is not completely filled by the second arm 222. If the dimensions of the second arm 222 and the second gap G2 are precisely matched, not only will the processing cost be higher, but the size of the mounting hole 130 will also be too large, affecting the strength of the connector housing. As mentioned above, the second arm 222 only abuts against the protrusion 360 in the direction of the mating portion 110, which can meet the usage requirements.

[0115] For example, continue to refer to Figure 13 For each of at least one cable assembly, the inner surface of the connector housing 100 may be provided with a rib 140 extending along the length direction of the first flat flexible cable 401a and the second flat flexible cable 401b. The rib 140 can be embedded into the assembly housing 300 of the corresponding cable assembly. It is understood that the portion of the terminal locking assembly 220 inserted into the mounting hole 130 (i.e., the plurality of second arms 222) is not very thick, and this portion may break under the support of the mounting hole 130 alone. The rib 140 provided on the inner surface of the connector housing 100 can provide additional support for the portion of the terminal locking assembly 220 inserted into the mounting hole 130, subjecting it to compressive forces rather than bending forces. This effectively improves the service life and reliability of the cable connector 10.

[0116] Another aspect of this application provides a board connector 20. For example... Figure 14 and Figure 15As shown, the board connector 20 may include a main housing 21, a plurality of conductive terminals 22, a shielding shell 23, and an outer housing 24. The plurality of conductive terminals 22 are held on the main housing 21. Exemplarily, the plurality of conductive terminals 22 may be secured together by a retaining member, as shown in the embodiment, which is held within the main housing 21, thereby holding the plurality of conductive terminals 22 on the main housing 21. For adaptation to the cable connector 10, the plurality of conductive terminals 22 may include a plurality of first-type conductive terminals 22a and a plurality of second-type conductive terminals 22b. The first-type conductive terminals 22a are electrically connected to a first-type cable assembly A, for example, for power transmission. Exemplarily, the number of first-type conductive terminals 22a may be the same as the number of contact pads 420 in the first-type cable assembly A, but the number of mating ends of the first-type conductive terminals 22a that electrically contact the contact pads 420 may be increased to increase the elasticity of the mating ends. The first-type conductive terminals 22a may be held on the same first retaining member. The first retaining member may be insulated. The second type of conductive terminal 22b is electrically connected to the second type of cable assembly B, for example, for transmitting high-speed / high-frequency signals. Exemplarily, the number of second type conductive terminals 22b may match the number of contact pads 420 in the second type of cable assembly B. The second type of conductive terminals 22b may be held on a plurality of second retaining members. Exemplarily, the plurality of second type conductive terminals 22b may include signal conductive terminals and ground conductive terminals. Ground conductive terminals may be located between signal conductive terminals. The second retaining members may be insulated. Optionally, the second retaining members may also be provided with conductive or lossy members to electrically connect adjacent ground conductive terminals. Exemplarily, in other embodiments, the plurality of conductive terminals 22 may also be directly held on the main housing 21. Exemplarily, the main housing 21 may include a plurality of mounting channels into which the plurality of conductive terminals 22 are inserted one-to-one.

[0117] The shielding shell 23 may surround the main housing 21 in a circumferential direction surrounding the plurality of conductive terminals 22. A board connector 20 is used to establish an electrical connection between a circuit board to be mounted (not shown) and an adapter electrical connector (e.g., the cable connector described above). The circuit board to be mounted may be a first circuit board (also referred to as a "first printed circuit board" or "first PCB"). The board connector 20 may be mounted to the circuit board to be mounted, and a corresponding mating portion 110 of the cable connector 10 may be inserted into the board connector 20, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the circuit board to be mounted and the cable connector 10 through the board connector 20.

[0118] The main housing 21 may be made of an insulating material. Examples of suitable insulating materials for manufacturing the main housing 21 include, but are not limited to, plastics, nylon, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-temperature nylon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO) or polypropylene (PP). The shield 23 and the main housing 21 together form a mating portion for mating with the mating portion 110 of the cable connector 10. For the board connector 20, the shield 23 may extend flush with the front end face of the main housing 21 (i.e., the end face of the cable connector 10 along the mating direction), extend beyond the front end face of the main housing 21, or not reach the front end face of the main housing 21. The shield 23 can provide better support for the cable connector 10 when mated with the adapted cable connector 10. Compared to the main housing 21 or the connector housing 100 of the adapted cable connector 10, the shield 23 can withstand greater external forces, preventing the mating position of the cable connector 10 and the board connector 20 from being broken by external forces. Optionally, the shielding shell 23 can be fixed to the first circuit board by means of adhesive, welding, clips, etc., thereby providing support and limiting for the main shell 21. The shielding shell 23 can be connected to the signal ground, thereby effectively shielding against external interference.

[0119] like Figure 14 As best illustrated, each of the plurality of conductive terminals 22 may be formed of a conductive material. Suitable conductive materials for manufacturing the conductive terminals 22 may be metals or metal alloys, such as copper or copper alloys. The conductive terminal 22 may include an electrical contact end and a mounting end. The electrical contact end may be configured to mate with a corresponding mating portion of an electrical component such as the aforementioned cable connector, and the mounting end may be configured to be mounted to a circuit board such as the aforementioned first circuit board. Specifically, the first circuit board may include conductive portions such as conductive pads or conductive vias, and the mounting end of the conductive terminal 22 may be configured to be connected to the conductive portions of the first circuit board by any suitable process known in the art (e.g., press-fit or soldering).

[0120] Each of the plurality of conductive terminals 22 may include a bent section that is bent such that the mounting end and the electrical contact end of the conductive terminal 22 are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. This configuration makes each conductive terminal 22 generally straight.

[0121] Exemplarily, the main housing 21 can be secondary-formed onto the conductive terminals 22. In some embodiments, the main housing 21 may further include a mounting assembly (not shown) for spacing the mounting ends of the plurality of conductive terminals 22 apart from each other. In some embodiments, the main housing 21 includes a main body portion and a reserved groove, through which all the conductive terminals 22 can be mounted onto the main body of the main housing 21, and then glue is poured into the groove to secondary-form a structure that can fix the mounting ends of the conductive terminals 22.

[0122] For example, the shielding shell 23 completely encloses the main shell 21 of the board connector 20. Preferably, the metal sheet can be stamped into a suitable shape using a stamping process. After assembling the main shell 21 and conductive terminals 22 of the board connector 20, the metal sheet is placed into the semi-finished stamped shielding shell 23, and the portion of the shielding shell 23 that needs to be bent is bent, so that the shielding shell 23 completely encloses the main shell 21. For example, the lower part of the shielding shell 23 can be formed with a mortise and tenon structure. After bending, the edges of the originally separate metal sheets of the shielding shell 23 are connected to each other, thereby being able to withstand a larger force parallel to the direction of the metal sheets. Compared with welding the metal sheets of the shielding shell 23 together to form a complete whole, the mortise and tenon structure can be mass-produced quickly using a stamping process, resulting in lower costs and higher reliability and yield.

[0123] Exemplarily, the shielding shell 23 may include a plate lock 231 for mounting to the first circuit board. As described above, the shielding shell 23 can be fixed to the first circuit board. Since the board connector 20 may be subjected to a certain tensile force after being connected to the cable connector 10, there are certain requirements for the connection strength between the shielding shell 23, which is the main load-bearing component, and the first circuit board. Preferably, the shielding shell 23 can be connected to the first circuit board by soldering. In some embodiments, one side of the shielding shell 23 can be soldered integrally onto the first circuit board to form a reliable connection. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the shielding shell 23 includes a plate lock 231 composed of protruding metal portions, which can be embedded in the pad vias and / or through holes of the first circuit board and can also be soldered to further ensure that the shielding shell 23 is firmly locked onto the first circuit board. The plate lock 231 can match the pad vias of the first circuit board, and the pad vias are typically slightly larger than the plate lock 231. After the plate lock 231 is inserted into the through-hole of the first circuit board, the gap between the through-hole and the plate lock 231 can be filled by soldering, thereby reliably fixing it. Compared with the embodiment of directly soldering the shielding shell 23 to the first circuit board, the plate lock 231 not only eliminates the need to heat the entire shielding shell 23 to ensure that the temperature at the solder joint reaches the soldering requirements, reducing the soldering difficulty; the plate lock 231 passes through the first circuit board, and when the shielding shell 23 is under force, not only the solder joint is under force, but the substrate of the first circuit board also disperses the force on the shielding shell 23, thereby preventing the solder pads at the solder joint from separating from the substrate of the first circuit board when subjected to large tensile forces, ensuring the firmness of the board connector 20. Preferably, the end of the plate lock 231 can have a reduced size, thereby forming a step at a position where the plate lock 231 is almost flush with the lower surface of the shielding shell 23. The smaller size of the end of the plate lock 231 allows it to be inserted into the through-hole of the first circuit board, while the step can be stuck on the surface of the first circuit board and will not enter the through-hole of the solder pad, thereby limiting the shielding shell 23 and ensuring that the shielding shell 23 does not tilt.

[0124] Exemplarily, the inner surface of the front portion of the shielding shell 23 is spaced apart from the outer surface of the main shell 21 to form a space for receiving the insertion portion of the cable connector 10. Exemplarily, the main shell 21 may include a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion of the main shell 21 is used to mate with the front portion of the shielding shell 23 to form a mating portion. This mating portion can mate with the mating portion 110 of the cable connector 10. The rear portion of the main shell 21 is used to fix the conductive terminal 22. The rear portion of the shielding shell 23 can be fixed to the rear portion of the main shell 21. The size of the rear portion is adapted to the size of the shielding shell 23. The size of the front portion of the main shell 21 is smaller than the size of the front portion of the shielding shell 23, such that a cavity for receiving the mating portion 110 of the cable connector 10 is formed between the front portion of the main shell 21 and the shielding shell 23. When the cable connector 10 mates with the board connector 20, the mating portion 110 of the cable connector 10 can be inserted into the shielding shell 23, and the front portion of the main shell 21 can be inserted into the opening of the mating portion 110.

[0125] The outer housing 24 can surround the shielding housing 23 in the circumferential direction. Exemplarily, the outer housing 24 can be installed to the shielding housing 23 by means of adhesive bonding, welding, snap-fitting, etc. The outer housing 24 may include an adapter feature that mates with the connector locking assembly 210, thereby locking the cable connector 10 to the board connector 20. Exemplarily, along the front of the cable connector 10, the outer housing 24 can extend beyond the shielding housing 23 and the main housing 21, such that after the cable connector 10 mates with the board connector 20, the outer housing 24 can surround the mating portion 110 of the cable connector 10 and lock with the connector locking assembly 210 on the cable connector 10, improving the reliability of the mating.

[0126] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front", "rear", "up", "down", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", and "bottom" is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this disclosure; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0127] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," and "above" are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship between one or more components or features shown in the figures and other components or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms include not only the orientation of the component as depicted in the figures but also different orientations during use or operation. For example, if the components in the figures are inverted as a whole, "above" or "above other components or features" will include cases where the component is "below" or "under" other components or features. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." Furthermore, these components or features may also be positioned at other different angles (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other angles), and this document intends to include all such cases.

[0128] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to limit the exemplary implementations according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0129] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

Claims

1. A cable assembly, characterized in that, include: The component housing has a top wall and a bottom wall; A first flat flexible cable and a second flat flexible cable are stacked together. The ends of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable include contact plates. The component housing is sleeved on the ends of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable and the contact plates are exposed outside the component housing. The first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable are held between the top wall and the bottom wall. as well as A separator, which is sandwiched between the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable.

2. The cable assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flat flexible cable is adjacent to the top wall, and the second flat flexible cable is adjacent to the bottom wall; The top wall is provided with a top wall clamping part protruding toward the first flat flexible cable, and the bottom wall is provided with a bottom wall clamping part protruding toward the second flat flexible cable. Along the stacking direction of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable, the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable are clamped between the top wall clamping part and the bottom wall clamping part.

3. The cable assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable includes a substrate, a cable conductor formed on the substrate, and an insulating layer covering the cable conductor, the insulating layer exposing the cable conductor at the end of the corresponding flat flexible cable to form the contact disc, wherein: The top wall clamping portion includes a first top wall clamping portion, and the side edge of the first flat flexible cable is clamped between the separator and the first top wall clamping portion. The edge of the first flat flexible cable does not include a cable conductor. The bottom wall clamping portion includes a first bottom wall clamping portion, and the side edge of the second flat flexible cable is clamped between the separator and the first bottom wall clamping portion. The edge of the second flat flexible cable does not include the cable conductor.

4. The cable assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first top wall clamping part and the first bottom wall clamping part are configured to apply rigid force to the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable, respectively.

5. The cable assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The component housing has two opposite ends along the length direction of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable, and each of the two ends is provided with the first top wall clamping part and the first bottom wall clamping part.

6. The cable assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable includes a substrate, a cable conductor formed on the substrate, and an insulating layer covering the cable conductor, the insulating layer exposing the cable conductor at the end of the corresponding flat flexible cable to form the contact disc, wherein: The top wall clamping portion includes a second top wall clamping portion, and the middle portion of the first flat flexible cable is clamped between the separator and the second top wall clamping portion; and The bottom wall clamping portion includes a second bottom wall clamping portion, and the middle part of the second flat flexible cable is clamped between the separator and the second bottom wall clamping portion.

7. The cable assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second top wall clamping portion and the second bottom wall clamping portion are configured to apply elastic force to the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable, respectively.

8. The cable assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second top wall clamping portion includes a beam extending from the top wall and abutting against the first flat flexible cable; and The second bottom wall clamping portion includes a beam extending from the bottom wall and abutting against the second flat flexible cable.

9. The cable assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second top wall clamping portion and the second bottom wall clamping portion are located in the middle of the component housing in the width direction of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable.

10. The cable assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The component housing includes a first housing and a second housing, wherein: The first housing includes the top wall and a first side wall extending from the top wall to the bottom wall and opposing each other along the width direction of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable; The second housing includes the bottom wall and second side walls extending from the bottom wall toward the top wall and opposing each other along the width direction; The first sidewall and the second sidewall are connected to each other to limit the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable along the width direction.

11. The cable assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, Each of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable has a first notch on its side edge, and at least a portion of the first sidewall and the second sidewall are embedded in the first notch to limit the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable along their length direction.

12. The cable assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first sidewall is connected to the second sidewall by a snap fastener.

13. The cable assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The portions of the first sidewall and / or the second sidewall that are embedded into the first notch are connected together by snap-fit.

14. The cable assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first sidewall includes a first inner portion and a first outer portion arranged sequentially along the length direction. The second sidewall includes a second inner portion and a second outer portion arranged sequentially along the length direction. The first inner portion and the second inner portion are offset along the length direction and clamp the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable along the width direction. The first outer portion and the second outer portion are offset along the length direction and clamp the first inner portion and the second inner portion along the width direction.

15. The cable assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, Each of the first inner portion and the second inner portion includes an inner middle portion and an inner end portion, the inner middle portion being embedded within the first notch and the inner end portion being located outside the first notch; Each of the first outer portion and the second outer portion includes an outer middle portion and an outer end portion, the outer middle portion abutting against the outside of the inner middle portion, and the outer end portion abutting against the outside of the inner end portion.

16. The cable assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that, A raised rib is provided on the outer surface of the middle outer portion, and the raised rib is spaced apart from the outer end portion to form a gap for receiving the terminal locking assembly.

17. The cable assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that, A buckle is provided on the outer surface of the inner middle portion, and a buckle opening is provided on the outer middle portion. The latch on the first housing engages with the latch opening on the second housing, and the latch on the second housing engages with the latch opening on the first housing.

18. The cable assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, Regarding the central axis of the cable assembly, which is parallel to the width direction, The first inner portion is symmetrical to the second inner portion; and The first outer portion is symmetrical to the second outer portion.

19. The cable assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The partition has a second notch on its side edge, and at least a portion of the first sidewall and the second sidewall are embedded in the second notch to limit the partition along the length direction.

20. The cable assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first housing and the second housing have the same structure.

21. The cable assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The projection of the side edge of the separator in the horizontal plane coincides with the projection of the side edges of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable in the horizontal plane.

22. The cable assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cable assembly includes a first type of cable assembly and a second type of cable assembly, each of the first type of cable assembly and the second type of cable assembly including the assembly housing, the first flat flexible cable, the second flat flexible cable, and the separator. Each of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable in the second type of cable assembly includes: Multiple cable conductors extending along the length direction of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable; An insulating layer covering the plurality of cable conductors, the insulating layer exposing the ends of the plurality of cable conductors at the ends of the corresponding flat flexible cables to form the contact disc; and A shielding layer covering the insulating layer.

23. A cable connector, characterized in that, include: A connector housing having a mating portion; At least one cable assembly held by the connector housing, each of the at least one cable assembly including an assembly housing and a first flat flexible cable and a second flat flexible cable stacked together, wherein: The ends of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable include contact pads that extend to the mating portion of the connector housing; The component housing is sleeved on the ends of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable, and the contact plate is exposed outside the component housing; as well as The component housing is retained within the connector housing.

24. The cable connector according to claim 23, characterized in that, The mating portion includes a support portion, which has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other along the stacking direction of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable. A first groove and a second groove are respectively provided on the first surface and the second surface. The end of the first flat flexible cable is positioned within the first groove, and the contact plate of the first flat flexible cable faces the opening of the first groove; The end of the second flat flexible cable is positioned within the second groove, and the contact plate of the first flat flexible cable faces the opening of the second groove.

25. The cable connector according to claim 24, characterized in that, A third groove is provided on a pair of opposite sidewalls of the first groove along the width direction of the first flat flexible cable, and the two side edges of the end of the first flat flexible cable are respectively inserted into the third groove; and / or A fourth groove is provided on a pair of opposite sidewalls of the second groove along the width direction of the second flat flexible cable, and the two sides of the end of the second flat flexible cable are respectively inserted into the fourth groove.

26. The cable connector according to claim 24, characterized in that, Each of the at least one cable assembly includes a separator held to the assembly housing and sandwiched between the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable. The thickness of the support member between the first groove and the second groove is equal to the thickness of the separator.

27. The cable connector according to claim 23, characterized in that, The connector housing also includes a mounting portion that is opposite to the mating portion along the length direction of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable. The component housing is inserted into the connector housing from the mounting portion. The cable connector further includes a terminal locking assembly connected to the connector housing, wherein the mating portion of the connector housing and the terminal locking assembly limit the assembly housing along the length direction.

28. The cable connector according to claim 27, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the connector housing is provided with a mounting hole that communicates with the inner cavity of the connector housing. The outer surface of the component housing includes a gap extending along the stacking direction of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable. The terminal locking assembly is inserted into the gap via the mounting hole to position the assembly housing.

29. The cable connector according to claim 23, characterized in that, The at least one cable assembly includes a first cable assembly and a second cable assembly, the first cable assembly being configured to transmit signals and the second cable assembly being configured to transmit power.

30. The cable connector according to claim 23, characterized in that, For each of the at least one cable assembly, a rib is provided on the inner surface of the connector housing, extending along the length direction of the first flat flexible cable and the second flat flexible cable, and the rib is embedded in the assembly housing of the corresponding cable assembly.

31. A board connector, characterized in that, include: main housing; Multiple conductive terminals are held on the main housing; A shielding shell that surrounds the main housing along the circumferential direction surrounding the plurality of conductive terminals; as well as An outer shell that surrounds the shielding shell along the circumferential direction.

32. The board connector according to claim 31, characterized in that, The board connector is used in an electronic system having a cable connector as described in any one of claims 23-30, wherein the board connector is adapted to the cable connector.

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