Electrical connector and electrical connector assembly

Abstract

This application provides an electrical connector and an electrical connector assembly. The electrical connector includes: a connector body, a plurality of terminals attached to the connector body, and two reinforcing members attached to both ends of the connector body. Each reinforcing member includes: an end wall cover attached to one end wall of the connector body; and a pair of side wall covers attached to two side walls of the connector body. Each side wall cover is connected to the end wall cover via a connecting portion. Each end wall cover includes a side plate, an upper cover connected to the upper part of the side plate, and an extension connected to a portion of the upper cover. The upper cover at least partially covers the upper part of the side wall of the connector body, and the extension is at least partially completely embedded within the side wall of the connector body. This application improves the bonding strength between the reinforcing member and the connector body by at least partially embedding the extension of the reinforcing member within the connector body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electrical connectors, and more specifically to an electrical connector and an electrical connector assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, electrical connector assemblies are used to electrically connect a pair of circuit boards together. The electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector and a mating electrical connector, which are respectively attached to two corresponding facing surfaces of the pair of circuit boards and fitted together, with electrical conductivity established through terminals. To improve the reliability of the electrical connector assembly, reinforcing members are provided at both ends of the connector body of both the electrical connector and the mating electrical connector. However, when using this type of electrical connector assembly, after repeated mating and unmating of the electrical connector and the mating electrical connector, the reinforcing members are prone to separating from the connector body. After separation, the connector body lacks effective reinforcement and protection, making it susceptible to damage. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the problems in the prior art, the purpose of this application is to provide an electrical connector and an electrical connector assembly, which improves the bonding strength between the reinforcing member and the connector body by embedding the extension of the reinforcing member at least partially into the connector body.

[0004] The first aspect of this application provides an electrical connector, including a connector body, a plurality of terminals attached to the connector body, and two reinforcing members attached to both ends of the connector body;

[0005] Each reinforcing component includes:

[0006] One end wall covering is attached to one end wall of the connector body;

[0007] A pair of sidewall covers are attached to the two sidewalls of the connector body, and each sidewall cover is connected to the end wall cover via a connecting part.

[0008] Each end wall cover includes a side plate portion, an upper cover portion connected to the upper part of the side plate portion, and an extension portion connected to a portion of the upper cover portion. The upper cover portion at least partially covers the upper part of the side wall of the connector body, and the extension portion is at least partially completely embedded in the side wall of the connector body.

[0009] In some embodiments, the extension includes a connecting section and a recessed section, the recessed section being connected to the inner side of the upper cover via the connecting section, and the recessed section being completely embedded in the side wall of the connector body.

[0010] In some embodiments, the connecting segment extends downward and inward relative to the upper cover, and the embedded segment extends outward relative to the connecting segment.

[0011] In some embodiments, the extension is provided with connector bodies on both sides of a first direction, the first direction being the sidewall extension direction of the connector body.

[0012] In some embodiments, the upper surface of the connecting segment of the upper cover and / or extension is not lower than the upper surface of the sidewall of the connector body.

[0013] In some embodiments, the lower part of the side plate is connected to a welding part, the welding part is exposed on the bottom surface of the connector body, and the bottom surface of the connector body is provided with an upwardly recessed notch on both sides of the welding part along a first direction, the first direction being the extension direction of the side wall of the connector body.

[0014] In some embodiments, each reinforcement further includes a bottom cover and two elastic arms, the two elastic arms being connected to both sides of the bottom cover, and each elastic arm having a contact end at its top, the height of which is lower than the height of the upper cover.

[0015] In some embodiments, after the electrical connector is engaged with a mating electrical connector, the contact end abuts against the mating reinforcement of the mating electrical connector, and the contact end is closer to the central axis of the connector body than the portion of the extension that protrudes from the connector body.

[0016] In some embodiments, the inner upper surface of the upper cover is an inclined surface, and the angle between the inclined surface and the height direction is 50° to 70°.

[0017] In some embodiments, each reinforcement further includes a bottom surface cover, the upper side of which is a stop surface, the stop surface being configured to stop a mating reinforcement of a mating electrical connector.

[0018] A second aspect of this application provides an electrical connector assembly, including the electrical connector of the first aspect and a mating electrical connector that engages with the electrical connector.

[0019] In some embodiments, each reinforcing member further includes a bottom surface cover, the inner side of which is a first stop surface; the mating electrical connector includes a mating connector body and two mating reinforcing members disposed at both ends of the mating connector body, each mating reinforcing member including a second stop surface, the first stop surface abutting against the second stop surface.

[0020] In some embodiments, the connector body includes a recess and a protrusion, the protrusion being fitted into the recess, and there is a height gap between the top surface of the protrusion and the bottom surface of the recess.

[0021] In some embodiments, the mating electrical connector includes a mating connector body and two mating reinforcements disposed at both ends of the mating connector body. Each mating reinforcement includes at least one mating solder portion, which protrudes from the top surface of the mating connector body.

[0022] The top surface of the connector body is provided with at least one downward recessed mating notch corresponding to the position of the mating soldering part. The mating notch is located on both sides of the mating soldering part along a first direction and / or the mating notch is located on the inner side of the mating soldering part. The first direction is the extension direction of the side wall of the connector body.

[0023] In some embodiments, the mating weld portion includes an outwardly extending weld end, the lower surface of which includes a connecting plane and a slope, the slope extending from one side of the connecting plane toward the upper surface of the weld end.

[0024] In some embodiments, the mating reinforcement further includes a side cover portion and a transition portion, and the mating welding portion includes a bent portion that bends inward and extends upward and a welding end that extends outward. The bent portion and the side cover portion are connected through the transition portion, and the connection between the outer side surface of the transition portion and the outer side surface of the side cover portion is a straight edge.

[0025] The electrical connectors and connector assemblies provided in this application have the following advantages:

[0026] By adopting this application, reinforcing members are provided at both ends of the connector body to strengthen and protect the ends of the electrical connector. The side wall covering of the reinforcing member has an extension, and the extension is at least partially and completely embedded in the side wall of the connector body, thereby improving the bonding strength between the reinforcing member and the connector body. Even after multiple insertions and removals, the reinforcing member is not easily separated from the connector body, providing continuous protection for the electrical connector and improving the reliability and service life of the electrical connector and the electrical connector assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first and second electrical connectors of an embodiment of this application when they are not engaged.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first electrical connector according to an embodiment of this application.

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of region B1;

[0031] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of a first electrical connector according to an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first reinforcing member according to an embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the first reinforcing member from another angle according to an embodiment of this application.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a top view of a first electrical connector according to an embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A sectional view along the A1-A1 direction.

[0036] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A sectional view along the A2-A2 direction.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second electrical connector according to an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of a second electrical connector according to an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a top view of a second electrical connector according to an embodiment of this application.

[0040] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 A magnified view of a portion of region B2.

[0041] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second reinforcing member according to an embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 15 This is a structural schematic diagram of the second reinforcing member from another angle according to an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 16 This is a bottom view of an electrical connector assembly according to an embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A sectional view along the A3-A3 direction.

[0045] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A magnified view of a portion of region B3.

[0046] Figure 19 yes Figure 17 A magnified view of a portion of region B4 in the middle;

[0047] Figure 20 and Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second reinforcing member according to another embodiment of this application.

[0048] Figure label:

[0049] 100 First electrical connector 308 contact terminal

[0050] 10 First connector body 309 Bottom surface cover

[0051] 101 Side wall 310 First stop surface

[0052] 102 end wall 313 contact convex portion

[0053] 103 Base Plate 600 Second Electrical Connector

[0054] 104 First protrusion 60 Second connector body

[0055] 104a Top surface of the first protrusion 603 Top plate

[0056] 105 first recess 604 second recess

[0057] 106 First terminal receiving cavity 604a Second recess bottom surface

[0058] 107 Island end 605 Second convex part

[0059] 109 First end 607 Second terminal receiving cavity

[0060] 110 First mating notch 609 Second end

[0061] 20 First terminal 610 Second mating notch

[0062] 201 First power terminal 70 Second terminal

[0063] 202 First signal terminal 701 Second power supply terminal

[0064] 30 First reinforcing member 702 Second signal terminal

[0065] 301 End wall cover 80 Second reinforcing member

[0066] 302 Sidewall Covering Part 801 Side Covering Part

[0067] 3021 Side panel section 802 Middle covering section

[0068] 3022 Upper Cover Part 803 Outer Cover Part

[0069] 3023 Extension 804 Second Welding Part

[0070] 3023a Embedded section 804a Bend

[0071] 3023b connecting section 804b welded end

[0072] 304 First Welding Part 804b1 Connecting Plane

[0073] 305 Island End Cover Section 804b2 Sloping Surface

[0074] 306 Connecting part 805 Transition part

[0075] 307 Flexible Arm 810 Second Stop Surface Detailed Implementation

[0076] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. The words “or” and “or” in the specification may mean “and” or “or”. Although the terms “upper,” “lower,” “between,” etc., may be used in this specification to describe different exemplary features and elements of this application, these terms are used herein only for convenience, such as the orientation according to the examples described in the accompanying drawings. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of the structure to fall within the scope of this application. Although “first” or “second,” etc., are used in this specification to denote certain features, they are merely indicative of function and not as a limitation on the number or importance of specific features.

[0077] This application provides an electrical connector and an assembly of electrical connectors. The electrical connector assembly includes the electrical connector and a mating electrical connector that engages with it. Hereinafter, the electrical connector is referred to as the first electrical connector 100, and the mating electrical connector as the second electrical connector 600. In use, the first electrical connector 100 and the second electrical connector 600 are respectively fixed to two corresponding facing surfaces of a pair of circuit boards (such as printed circuit boards or flexible printed circuit boards) and engaged together, achieving electrical conductivity through terminals. This electrical connector assembly can be applied to the electrical systems of various consumer products, medical products, etc.

[0078] For the sake of distinction, the body of the first electrical connector 100 will be referred to as the first connector body 10, and the body of the second electrical connector 600 will be referred to as the second connector body 60 (mating connector body). The reinforcing member provided on the first electrical connector 100 will be referred to as the first reinforcing member 30, and the welding portion of the first reinforcing member 30 will be referred to as the first welding portion 304. The mating reinforcing member provided on the second electrical connector 600 will be referred to as the second reinforcing member 80, and the mating welding portion of the second reinforcing member 80 will be referred to as the second welding portion 804.

[0079] like Figures 1-4As shown, the first electrical connector 100 includes a first connector body 10, a plurality of first terminals 20 attached to the first connector body 10, and two first reinforcing members 30 attached to both ends of the first connector body 10. The first connector body 10 includes two sidewalls 101 extending along a first direction, two endwalls 102 located at both ends in the first direction, and a base plate 103. Figure 7 A first protrusion 104 extending in a first direction is provided above the base plate 103, forming an island portion. The first protrusion 104 has island end portions 107 at both ends along the first direction. First recesses 105 extending in the first direction are formed between the two sides of the first protrusion 104 and the side wall 101.

[0080] In the various figures, "first direction" refers to the y-axis direction, i.e., the length direction of the first electrical connector 100. The x-axis direction is the width direction of the first electrical connector 100. The z-axis direction is the height direction of the first electrical connector 100, with "upward" along the positive z-axis and "downward" along the negative z-axis. The "inner side" and "outer side" of each component of the first electrical connector 100 in this application are relative to the central axis S0 of the first connector body 10 along the first direction. Figure 7 In terms of ), the central axis S0 of the first connector body 10 is closer to the central axis S0. Figure 7 The side of the first connector body 10 is the inner side, away from the central axis S0. Figure 7 The side closer to the central axis of the second connector body 600 is the inner side, and the side farther away from the central axis of the second connector body 600 is the outer side.

[0081] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the sidewall 101 of the first connector body 10 is provided with a first terminal receiving groove, and the side of the first protrusion 104 is provided with a second terminal receiving groove. The first terminal receiving groove and the second terminal receiving groove together form a first terminal receiving cavity 106 for receiving the first terminal 20. The first terminal 20 includes a plurality of first power terminals 201 and a plurality of first signal terminals 202. The first power terminals 201 are disposed between the first signal terminals 202 and the first reinforcing member 30. The first power terminals 201 are used to connect with the second power terminals 701 of the second electrical connector 600. Figure 10 The first signal terminal 202 is used to cooperate with the second signal terminal 702 of the second electrical connector 600 to transmit electrical energy between the first electrical connector 100 and the second electrical connector 600. Figure 10The first electrical connector 100 and the second electrical connector 600 cooperate to transmit signals. Different spacings are used between the first signal terminal 202 and the first power terminal 201. In the first direction, the spacing between two adjacent first signal terminals 202 is, for example, 0.2 mm, and the spacing between two adjacent first power terminals 201 is, for example, 0.7 mm, to facilitate the placement of a larger first power terminal 201.

[0082] like Figures 3-6 As shown, each first reinforcing member 30 is respectively disposed on a first end 109 of the first connector body 10. The first connector body 10 is made of, for example, plastic material or other polymer material; the following example uses plastic material for the first connector body 10. The two first reinforcing members 30 are made of conductive metal material (e.g., copper, copper alloy, nickel alloy, etc.) to structurally reinforce and protect the two first ends 109 at both ends of the first connector body 10, effectively improving the reliability of the first electrical connector 100. The first connector body 10 and the first reinforcing members 30 can be manufactured by injection molding (over molding). After the first reinforcing member 30 is placed in the mold of the first connector body 10, liquid plastic material is injected to form the first connector body 10, so that the first connector body 10 and the first reinforcing member 30 are tightly bonded together. When the first electrical connector 100 is engaged with the second electrical connector 600, the first reinforcing member 30 and the second reinforcing member 80 of the second electrical connector 600 ( Figure 10 It also contacts and electrically connects for transmitting electrical energy. Each first reinforcement 30 includes an end wall cover 301, a pair of side wall covers 302, an island end cover 305, and a bottom cover 309. The end wall cover 301 is attached to one end wall 102 of the first connector body 10. The two side wall covers 302 are respectively attached to the two side walls 101 of the first connector body 10, and each side wall cover 302 is connected to the end wall cover 301 via a connecting portion 306. The bottom cover 309 at least partially covers the bottom surface of the first end 109. The bottom cover 309 is connected to the end wall cover 301 and the island end cover 305 on both sides in the y-direction, respectively. The island end cover 305 is attached to the island end 107 of the first connector body 10.

[0083] like Figures 3-6 As shown, each sidewall cover 302 includes a side plate portion 3021, an upper cover portion 3022 connected to the upper part of the side plate portion 3021, and an extension portion 3023 connected to a portion of the upper cover portion 3022. The upper cover portion 3022 at least partially covers the upper part of the sidewall 101 of the first connector body 10. The extension portion 3023 is at least partially completely embedded within the sidewall 101 of the first connector body 10. Figure 7 and Figure 9As shown, the extension 3023 includes a connecting section 3023b and an embedded section 3023a. The embedded section 3023a is connected to the upper cover 3022 via the connecting section 3023b. The embedded section 3023a is completely embedded in the side wall 101 of the first connector body 10, further strengthening the connection between the first reinforcing member 30 and the first connector body 10. Even after multiple insertion and removal operations of the first electrical connector 100 and the second electrical connector 600, the first reinforcing member 30 is not easily separated from the first connector body 10, providing continuous protection for the first electrical connector 100 and further improving the reliability and service life of the first electrical connector 100 and the electrical connector assembly.

[0084] like Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, the upper side of the connecting segment 3023b is connected to the inner side of the upper cover portion 3022, and the lower side of the connecting segment 3023b is connected to the upper side of the embedded segment 3023a. The connecting segment 3023b extends downward and inward relative to the upper cover portion 3022, and the embedded segment 3023a extends outward relative to the connecting segment 3023b. Therefore, the extension portion 3023 extends downward and inward relative to the upper cover portion 3022, and then extends outward, embedding itself into the side wall 101 of the first connector at a certain angle, forming a tight fitting relationship with the side wall 101.

[0085] like Figure 3 As shown, the extension 3023 has a first connector body 10 on both sides in the first direction. In the first direction, the first connector body 10 covers both sides of the extension 3023, blocking the displacement of the extension 3023 to both sides in the first direction, thereby making it difficult for the first reinforcing member 30 to have displacement in the first direction relative to the first connector body 10.

[0086] like Figure 1 , Figures 7-9 As shown, during the mating process between the second electrical connector 600 and the first electrical connector 100, the upper cover portion 3022 of the sidewall cover portion 302 also serves to guide the insertion of the second electrical connector 600. The top surface of the upper cover portion 3022 is an arc surface, and the inner upper surface of the upper cover portion 3022 is an inclined guide surface extending downward and inward. This inclined guide surface is located above the elastic arm 307. Figure 8As shown, the angle α1 between the inclined guide surface and the height direction is 50° to 70°, and can be selected as 60°, to ensure that when the second electrical connector 600 is inserted, the second end 609 of the second electrical connector 600 can be aligned and fitted into the groove in the first end 109. The range of angle α1 here is only an example and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. In other alternative embodiments, angle α1 can also be an angle value not listed here. The angle α2 between the outer surface of the end of the elastic arm 307 and the height direction is not less than α1, thereby preventing the end of the elastic arm 307 from protruding inward relative to the inclined guide surface and affecting the guiding effect of the inclined guide surface on the second electrical connector 600, and also preventing the second electrical connector 600 from pressing down on the end of the elastic arm 37 during insertion, causing abnormal deformation of the elastic arm 37. Figure 1 and Figure 9 As shown, the upper surface of the upper cover 3022 is not lower than the upper surface of the side wall 101 of the first connector body 10, so that when the second electrical connector 600 is inserted, the second end 609 of the second electrical connector 600 first contacts the first reinforcing member 30. The first reinforcing member 30 bears the force of the second end 609 of the second electrical connector 600 to protect the first end 109 of the first connector body 10. Furthermore, since the friction of metal is less than that of plastic, the first reinforcing member 30 guides the second electrical connector 600 while reducing obstruction to the second electrical connector 600, making it easier for the second electrical connector 600 to be inserted into the first electrical connector 100 and improving the guiding effect. The upper surface of the connecting section 3023b of the extension 3023 is also not lower than the upper surface of the side wall 101 of the first connector body 10 (the upper surface of the side wall 101 portion supporting the connecting section 3023b), so that the connecting section 3023b provides guidance for the second electrical connector 600 while protecting the inner side of the side wall 101 of the first connector body 10. Furthermore, the connecting section 3023b is also made of metal, which helps to reduce the friction between the second electrical connector 600 and the first electrical connector 100 when the second electrical connector 600 is inserted, and further improves the guiding effect.

[0087] like Figures 4-7As shown, the lower part of the side plate portion 3021 is connected to the first welding portion 304, which is formed by bending outward from the lower end of the side plate portion 3021 and is exposed on the bottom surface of the first connector body 10. The bottom surface of the first connector body 10 has an upwardly recessed first mating notch 110 on each side of the first welding portion 304 along the first direction. During the injection molding process of the first reinforcing member 30 and the first connector body 10, the mold insert can be fixed at the position shown by the first mating notch 110, thereby fixing the first welding portion 304 and preventing relative displacement between the first reinforcing member 30 and the first connector body 10 during injection molding. This first mating notch 110 fully utilizes the space of the first connector body 10, is suitable for manufacturing small-sized electrical connectors, reduces the possibility of flash during production, and improves production yield. Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown, the sidewall cover 302 and the first soldering part 304 are vertically separated by the first connector body 10 made of plastic material, effectively preventing solder wicking and solder creep. The lower end of the endwall cover 301 extends and bends outward to form a soldering part (not shown in the figure). This soldering part and the endwall cover 301 are vertically separated by the first electrical connector 100 made of plastic material, effectively preventing solder wicking and solder creep.

[0088] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, each first reinforcing member 30 further includes two elastic arms 307, which are connected to both sides of the bottom cover portion 309 in the x-direction. Each elastic arm 307 has a contact end 308 at its top, the height of which is lower than the height of the upper cover portion 3022. When the second electrical connector is inserted into the first connector body 10, the upper cover portion 3022 provides guidance for the second electrical connector, allowing the second reinforcing member of the second electrical connector to enter between the two elastic arms 307. The elastic arms 307 maintain the engagement stability between the second electrical connector and the first electrical connector 100, and the contact end 308 of the elastic arm 307 contacts and electrically connects with the second reinforcing member of the second electrical connector.

[0089] like Figure 1 and Figure 8As shown, after the first electrical connector 100 and the second electrical connector 600 are engaged, the contact end 308 abuts against a second reinforcing member 80 of the second electrical connector 600, and the contact end 308 is closer to the central axis of the first connector body 10 than the portion of the extension 3023 that protrudes from the first connector body 10. This allows the second reinforcing member 80 to be electrically connected to the elastic arm 307 only through the inwardly protruding contact end 308, thus achieving point contact electrical connection between the second reinforcing member 80 and the elastic arm 307. Compared with surface contact electrical connection, this has a lower contact resistance.

[0090] like Figure 5 and 8 As shown, the inner side of the end wall cover portion 301 is provided with at least one contact protrusion 313 that protrudes inward. For example... Figure 8 , Figure 10 and Figure 18 As shown, after the first electrical connector 100 and the second electrical connector 600 are engaged, the contact protrusion 313 abuts against and is electrically connected to the second reinforcing member 80 of the second electrical connector 600. Therefore, the contact ends 308 of the two elastic arms 307 of the first reinforcing member 30 serve as the first contact point and the second contact point for the electrical connection between the first reinforcing member 30 and the second reinforcing member 80, respectively, and are in contact with and electrically connected to the second reinforcing member 80. The contact protrusion 313 also serves as the third contact point and is in contact with and electrically connected to the second reinforcing member 80, and the contact protrusion 313 and the second reinforcing member 80 are connected by point contact rather than surface contact. Therefore, the first reinforcing member 30 and the first power terminal 201 are respectively connected to the second reinforcing member 80 and the second power terminal 701. Figure 10 Furthermore, the first reinforcing member 30 of the first electrical connector 100 and the second reinforcing member 80 of the second electrical connector 600 have three or more electrical contact points, which reduces the contact resistance between the first reinforcing member 30 and the second reinforcing member 80. This allows a larger current to pass through the first electrical connector 100 and the second electrical connector 600, making the first electrical connector 100 and even the electrical connector assembly more suitable for high-current scenarios. It can pass the high-current temperature rise test well, which is beneficial to broaden the application range of electrical connectors. This solves the technical problem in the prior art that electrical connectors cannot be applied to high-current scenarios because they cannot pass the high-current temperature rise test.

[0091] like Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the second electrical connector 600 includes a second connector body 60, a plurality of second terminals 70 attached to the second connector body 60, and two second reinforcing members 80 disposed at both ends of the second connector body 60. The second connector body 60 includes a top plate 603 and two second protrusions 605 extending along a first direction, with a second recess 604 formed between the two second protrusions 605. A plurality of second terminal receiving cavities 607 are provided on the second protrusions 605. The plurality of second terminals 70 are disposed in the second terminal receiving cavities 607. The second terminals 70 include a plurality of second signal terminals 702 and a plurality of second power terminals 701. The two second reinforcing members 80 are disposed at the second ends 609 at both ends of the second connector body 60. The second power terminals 701 are disposed between the second signal terminals 702 and the second reinforcing members 80. The second connector body 60 is made of, for example, a plastic material or other polymer material, and the second reinforcing members 80 are made of, for example, a conductive metal material (e.g., copper, copper alloy, nickel alloy, etc.). The second connector body 60 and the second reinforcing member 80 are also tightly fitted together by injection molding, and the second reinforcing member 80 provides structural reinforcement and protection for the second end 609 of the second connector body 60.

[0092] like Figure 1 , Figure 10 and Figure 17 As shown, when the second electrical connector 600 is engaged with the first electrical connector 100, the two second protrusions 605 of the second electrical connector 600 are embedded in the first recess 105 of the first electrical connector 100, and the first protrusion 104 of the first electrical connector 100 is embedded in the second recess 604 of the second electrical connector 600. The first signal terminal 202 is electrically connected to the second signal terminal 702, and the first power terminal 201 is electrically connected to the second power terminal 701. The first reinforcing member 30 contacts and is electrically connected to the second reinforcing member 80.

[0093] like Figures 10-15As shown, the second reinforcing member 80 includes a side cover 801, a middle cover 802, and an outer cover 803. The side cover 801 is attached to the second protrusion 605, the middle cover 802 is attached to the lower surface of the second end 609, and the outer cover 803 is attached to the outer wall of the second end 609. The upper end of the side cover 801 extends and bends inward and then upward and outward to form a second welding portion 804, which is exposed on the top surface of the second connector body 60. Optionally, the second welding portion 804 includes a bent portion 804a that bends inward and extends upward, and a welding end 804b that extends outward. The lower surface of the welding end 804b includes a connecting plane 804b1 and a slope 804b2. The slope 804b2 extends from one side of the connecting plane 804b1 towards the upper surface of the welding end 804b, forming an outward and upward inclination relative to the connecting plane 804b1. After the first electrical connector 100 and the second electrical connector 600 are engaged, the slope 804b2 increases the distance between the lower surface of the second welding part 804 and the first reinforcing member, preventing solder from accumulating at the second welding part 804 due to solder creep and other reasons, thus avoiding contact with the first reinforcing member 30 and affecting the connection state between the first reinforcing member 30 and the second reinforcing member 80. Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the top surface of the second connector body 60 is provided with at least one downwardly recessed second mating notch 610 corresponding to the position of the second welding part 804. The second mating notch 610 is located on both sides of the second welding part 804 along the first direction and / or the second mating notch 610 is located on the inner side of the second welding part 804. Figure 13 The diagram exemplarily illustrates three second mating recesses 610. In different embodiments, the number and position of the second mating recesses 610 can be selected as needed and are not limited to those shown herein. During the injection molding process of the second connector body 60 and the second reinforcement 80, the mold insert can be fixed at the positions shown in the second mating recesses 610, making full use of the space of the second connector body 60. This is suitable for the manufacture of small-sized electrical connectors, reducing the possibility of flash during production and improving production yield. The side cover 801 and the second soldering part 804 are also separated by the second connector body 60 made of plastic material, effectively preventing solder wicking and solder creep.

[0094] like Figures 16-19As shown, the upper side of the bottom cover portion 309 of each first reinforcing member 30 is a first stop surface 310. The bottom surface of the middle cover portion 802 of each second reinforcing member 80 is a second stop surface 810. After the second electrical connector 600 is engaged with the first electrical connector 100, the first stop surface 310 of the first reinforcing member 30 abuts against the second stop surface 810 of the second reinforcing member 80. Therefore, the first stop surface 310 is configured to stop the second stop surface 810 of the second reinforcing member 80, limiting the engagement position of the first electrical connector 100 and the second electrical connector 600. Under the limiting action of the first stop surface 310 and the second stop surface 810, after the second electrical connector 600 is engaged with the first electrical connector 100, there is a height gap between the top surface 104a of the first protrusion 104 and the bottom surface 604a of the second concave portion 604. The height of this gap is, for example, about 0.01 mm, and the actual height of the gap varies depending on the size of the electrical connector product. Therefore, in a long, small-sized electrical connector assembly, during the process of inserting the second electrical connector 600 into the first electrical connector 100, the gap between the top surface 104a of the first protrusion 104 and the bottom surface 604a of the second recess 604 causes the second electrical connector 600 to tend to move in the mating direction, preventing one side from being blocked while the other side is raised, which is conducive to achieving a good mating state and can bring a good "click" feel during installation. This tactile feedback allows the user to perceive whether the mating is complete.

[0095] Figure 20 and Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second reinforcing member according to another embodiment of this application. In this other embodiment, the side covering portion 801 of the second reinforcing member 80 and the bent portion 804a of the second welding portion 804 are connected by a transition portion 805. The outer surface of the side covering portion 801 is a plane, and the outer surface of the transition portion 805 is also a plane. Therefore, the connection between the outer surface of the transition portion 805 and the outer surface of the side covering portion 801 is a straight edge with a clear boundary. The side of the transition portion 805 away from the side covering portion 801 is bent inward and extended upward to form the bent portion 804a. The side of the bent portion 804a away from the transition portion 805 is bent outward to form the welding end 804b. In this embodiment, by providing a transition portion 805 between the bend 804a of the side cover portion 801 and the second weld portion 804 to form a clear boundary, the poor sealing effect caused by plastic loss or flash at the connection position of the side cover portion 801 and the second weld portion 804 during injection molding is avoided. Therefore, by providing this transition portion 805 to create a clear boundary between the second weld portion 804 and the side cover portion 801, the sealing effect is greatly improved.

[0096] In summary, this electrical connector and its assembly have the following advantages:

[0097] By adopting this application, first reinforcing members 30 are respectively provided at both ends of the first connector body 10 to strengthen and protect the ends of the first electrical connector 100. The sidewall covering portion 302 of the first reinforcing member 30 has an extension portion 3023, and the extension portion 3023 is at least partially and completely embedded in the sidewall 101 of the first connector body 10, thereby improving the bonding strength between the first reinforcing member 30 and the first connector body 10. Even after multiple insertions and removals, the first reinforcing member 30 is not easily separated from the first connector body 10, providing continuous protection for the first electrical connector 100 and improving the reliability and service life of the electrical connector and the electrical connector assembly. The structure of this electrical connector and electrical connector assembly is more compact and the space utilization is more reasonable, which is conducive to obtaining a smaller volume and can be applied to applications in small spaces. This electrical connector and electrical connector assembly is simple to manufacture, low in cost, and can be applied to high-current applications, thus broadening its application range.

[0098] The above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of this application and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of this application to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of this application, and all such modifications or substitutions should be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, characterized in that, It includes a connector body, a plurality of terminals attached to the connector body, and two reinforcing members attached to both ends of the connector body; Each of the reinforcing members includes: One end wall covering is attached to one end wall of the connector body; A pair of sidewall covers are attached to the two sidewalls of the connector body, and each sidewall cover is connected to the endwall cover via a connecting part. Each of the end wall covers includes a side plate portion, an upper cover portion connected to the upper portion of the side plate portion, and an extension portion connected to a portion of the upper cover portion, the upper cover portion at least partially covering the upper portion of the side wall of the connector body, and the extension portion at least partially completely embedded in the side wall of the connector body.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension includes a connecting section and a recessed section. The recessed section is connected to the inner side of the upper cover through the connecting section, and the recessed section is completely embedded in the side wall of the connector body.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting segment extends downward and inward relative to the upper covering portion, and the embedded segment extends outward relative to the connecting segment.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The extension is provided with the connector body on both sides in a first direction, where the first direction is the sidewall extension direction of the connector body.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper surface of the connecting section of the upper cover and / or the extension is not lower than the upper surface of the side wall of the connector body.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower part of the side plate is connected to a welding part, which is exposed on the bottom surface of the connector body. The bottom surface of the connector body is provided with an upwardly recessed notch on both sides of the welding part along a first direction, where the first direction is the extension direction of the side wall of the connector body.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the reinforcing members also includes a bottom cover and two elastic arms, the two elastic arms being connected to both sides of the bottom cover respectively, and each elastic arm having a contact end at its top, the height of which is lower than the height of the upper cover.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, After the electrical connector is engaged with a mating electrical connector, the contact end abuts against the mating reinforcement of the mating electrical connector, and the contact end is closer to the central axis of the connector body than the portion of the extension that protrudes from the connector body.

9. The electrical connector according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inner upper surface of the upper cover is an inclined guide surface, and the angle between the outer surface of the end of the elastic arm and the height direction is not less than the angle between the inclined guide surface and the height direction.

10. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the reinforcing members further includes a bottom surface cover, the upper side of which is a stop surface, the stop surface being configured to stop a mating reinforcing member of a mating electrical connector.

11. An electrical connector assembly, characterized in that, It includes the electrical connector as described in claim 1 and a mating electrical connector that engages with the electrical connector.

12. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, Each of the reinforcing members further includes a bottom surface cover, the inner side of which is a first stop surface; the mating electrical connector includes a mating connector body and two mating reinforcing members disposed at both ends of the mating connector body, each of the mating reinforcing members includes a second stop surface, the first stop surface abutting against the second stop surface.

13. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The mating connector body includes a recess and a protrusion. The protrusion is embedded in the recess, and there is a height gap between the top surface of the protrusion and the bottom surface of the recess.

14. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The mating electrical connector includes a mating connector body and two mating reinforcement members disposed at both ends of the mating connector body. Each mating reinforcement member includes at least one mating solder portion, which is exposed on the top surface of the mating connector body. The top surface of the mating connector body is provided with at least one downwardly recessed mating notch corresponding to the position of the mating welding part. The mating notch is located on both sides of the mating welding part along a first direction and / or the mating notch is located on the inner side of the mating welding part. The first direction is the sidewall extension direction of the connector body.

15. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The mating welded portion includes an outwardly extending welded end, the lower surface of which includes a connecting plane and an inclined plane, the inclined plane extending from one side of the connecting plane toward the upper surface of the welded end.

16. The electrical connector assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The mating reinforcement also includes a side covering portion and a transition portion. The mating welding portion includes a bent portion that bends inward and extends upward, and a welding end that extends outward. The bent portion is connected to the side covering portion through the transition portion. The connection between the outer side surface of the transition portion and the outer side surface of the side covering portion is a straight edge.

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