Electrical connector

Abstract

The application provides an electric connector, comprising a seat body and a terminal, the seat body is provided with a terminal hole penetrating through the seat body along a first direction and the hole wall is provided with a conductive layer, the terminal hole comprises a first side wall and a second side wall opposite along a second direction, a third side wall and a fourth side wall opposite along a third direction, a limiting convex part protruding from the fourth side wall towards the third side wall and forming a limiting slot with the first side wall and the second side wall respectively, the terminal comprises a contact part and an elastic part, the elastic part comprises a plurality of elastic arms, the elastic arm has two arm parts opposite along the second direction and a connecting part connecting the two arm parts, the two arm parts are bent from the connecting part towards the limiting convex part and extend towards the fourth side wall with an engaging part, the two arm parts are accommodated in the corresponding two limiting slots and the engaging parts abut against the conductive layer of the first side wall and the second side wall respectively, when the electric connector is connected with a counterpart element, the terminal is compressed along the first direction, and the first abutting part abuts against the first abutting part of the limiting convex part conductive layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrical connector, and more particularly to an electrical connector that shortens the conductive path and provides stable contact. Background Technology

[0002] In the electrical connection between the central processing unit (CPU) and the circuit board, pogo pin connectors are widely used due to their stable contact and reliable electrical performance. However, pogo pins are typically composed of a pin shaft, a spring, and a metal pin tube, making their structure relatively complex. They also require high precision in component machining and riveting during assembly, resulting in higher manufacturing costs.

[0003] To reduce costs and simplify processes, the industry has attempted to replace Pogo Pins with flexible serpentine terminals, housing the serpentine terminals within terminal holes with conductive layers. For example, Chinese patent CN201320676808.2 discloses an electrical connector with a regular terminal hole structure. The hole wall extends vertically in the vertical direction, and its cross-section in the vertical direction is rectangular. The serpentine terminal includes a contact portion, a conductive portion, and an elastic portion connecting the two. The elastic portion forms multiple S-shaped elastic arms through repeated bending to provide sufficient elasticity and ensure tight contact with electronic components. However, this structure has the following problems: 1. Insufficient contact stability: In the prior art, the cross-section of the terminal hole in the first direction is rectangular, and the size of the terminal hole is larger than the size of the terminal in the left-right and front-back directions. With this design, the terminal and the wall of the terminal hole are in contact on one side in the left-right and front-back directions, and it cannot effectively limit the shaking of the terminal during the docking process. This leads to unstable contact between the terminal and the wall of the terminal hole, and may even cause unstable docking between the terminal and the mating connector, thereby affecting the overall performance of the electrical connector.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to design a new electrical connector to overcome the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide an electrical connector that ensures stable contact while shortening the conduction path.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an electrical connector, comprising: a base including a first side surface and a second side surface disposed opposite to each other along a first direction, and at least one terminal hole; the terminal hole extends through the first side surface and through the second side surface along the first direction, and has a conductive layer on its hole wall; the terminal hole has a first side wall and a second side wall disposed opposite to each other along a second direction, and a third side wall and a fourth side wall disposed opposite to each other along a third direction, the first direction, the second direction and the third direction being perpendicular to each other; the first side wall and the second side wall are both connected to the third side wall and the fourth side wall; a limiting protrusion protrudes from the fourth side wall toward the third side wall and has a first abutting portion facing the third side wall; a first limiting groove is formed between the limiting protrusion and the first side wall, and a second limiting groove is formed between the limiting protrusion and the second side wall; the first limiting groove and the second limiting groove form a part of the terminal hole; At least one flexible terminal includes a contact portion, an elastic portion, and a conductive portion connected in sequence. The elastic portion is received in the terminal hole. The contact portion includes a first mating portion and a first abutting portion. The first mating portion protrudes from the first side surface for mating with a first mating element in a first direction. The first abutting portion is closer to the conductive portion relative to the first mating portion in the first direction. The conductive portion is exposed on the second side surface for guiding a second mating element in the first direction. The elastic portion includes a plurality of elastic arms arranged and interconnected along a first direction. Each elastic arm includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion disposed opposite to each other along a second direction, and a connecting portion connecting the two. The first arm portion and the second arm portion bend from both ends of the connecting portion in the second direction toward the side near the limiting protrusion and extend in the third direction toward the side near the fourth sidewall, and each has a joint portion. At least a portion of the second arm portion is received in the first limiting groove, and at least a portion of the second arm portion is received in the second limiting groove. The joint portion of the first arm portion abuts against the conductive layer of the first sidewall, and the joint portion of the second arm portion abuts against the conductive layer of the second sidewall. When the electrical connector is mated with the first mating element, the first mating portion abuts against the first mating element, the terminal is compressed along the first direction, and the first abutting portion abuts against the conductive layer of the first abutting portion.

[0007] Furthermore, the terminal hole includes a stop portion that protrudes from the third sidewall toward a side closer to the fourth sidewall and is spaced apart from the limiting protrusion. The stop portion is disposed further away from the first sidewall in a first direction relative to the plurality of connecting portions of the elastic portion, in order to stop the elastic portion.

[0008] Furthermore, the first abutting part is located at the midpoint between the first sidewall and the second sidewall in the second direction, and the first abutting part is located at the midpoint between the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall in the third direction.

[0009] Furthermore, the limiting protrusion extends from the first side to the second side in a first direction and includes a second abutting portion. The second abutting portion is closer to the second side and spaced apart from the first abutting portion. The guiding portion includes a second mating portion and a second abutting portion. The second abutting portion is closer to the contact portion than the second mating portion and is used to abut against the second abutting portion. The second mating portion protrudes from the second side and is used to abut against the second mating element.

[0010] Furthermore, the contact portion is connected to the second arm portion of the elastic portion closest to the first side, the guide portion is connected to the first arm portion of the elastic portion closest to the second side, the first limiting groove penetrates the first side and the second side along the first direction, the second limiting groove penetrates the first side along the first direction but does not penetrate the second side, and one groove wall of the second limiting groove in the first direction is closer to the second side than the elastic portion, so as to block the elastic portion.

[0011] Furthermore, the multiple elastic arms of the elastic portion are connected end to end. The first arm portion and the second arm portion of each elastic arm are gradually moved away from each other in a second direction. The first sidewall includes a first inclined segment and a first vertical segment connected to each other. The second sidewall includes a second inclined segment and a second vertical segment connected to each other. The first inclined segment and the second inclined segment extend inclinedly towards the side closer to the fourth sidewall in a third direction and towards the side gradually moving away from each other in a second direction. The first vertical segment extends straight from the first inclined segment towards the side closer to the fourth sidewall in a third direction. The second vertical segment extends straight from the second inclined segment towards the side closer to the fourth sidewall in a third direction. Both the first vertical segment and the second vertical segment are perpendicular to the second direction. A first limiting groove is formed between the first vertical segment and the limiting protrusion. The joint portion of the first arm portion is used to abut against the first vertical segment. A second limiting groove is formed between the second vertical segment and the limiting protrusion. The joint portion of the second arm portion is used to abut against the second vertical segment.

[0012] Furthermore, the contact portion includes a first bent section and a first contact section. One end of the first bent section is connected to the end of the first arm or the end of the second arm. The first contact section extends obliquely from the other end of the first bent section in a first direction toward the side away from the second side and in a third direction toward the side closer to the fourth sidewall. The first mating portion and the first abutting portion are disposed on the first contact section. The first abutting portion is an inclined surface. The first abutting portion has a first end and a second end spaced apart in a first direction. The first end is closer to the first side relative to the second end and is connected to the first side. The first abutting portion extends obliquely from the second end toward the side closer to the fourth sidewall in a third direction to the first end.

[0013] Furthermore, the contact portion also includes a first guide portion for guiding the contact portion to contact the limiting protrusion. The first guide portion extends obliquely from the other end of the first bent section toward the side closer to the guide portion in a first direction and toward the side closer to the third sidewall in a third direction.

[0014] Furthermore, the connection between the first guide portion and the first bent section forms another conductive connection with the conductive layer of the first abutting portion.

[0015] Furthermore, the guide portion includes a second bent section, a second contact section, and a second guide portion. One end of the second bent section is connected to the end of the first arm or the end of the second arm. The second contact section extends obliquely from the other end of the second bent section in a first direction toward the side away from the first side and in a third direction toward the side closer to the fourth sidewall. The first contact section has a second mating portion and a second abutting portion. The limiting protrusion has a second abutting portion facing the third sidewall and disposed away from the first sidewall than the first abutting portion. The second abutting portion is an inclined surface. The second abutting portion has a third end and a fourth end disposed opposite to each other in a first direction. The fourth end is closer to the second sidewall than the third end and is connected to the second sidewall. The second abutting portion extends obliquely from the third end toward the side closer to the fourth sidewall in a third direction. The second guide portion is used to guide the guide portion to contact the limiting protrusion. The second guide portion extends obliquely from the other end of the second bent section in a first direction toward the side closer to the contact portion and in a third direction toward the side closer to the third sidewall.

[0016] Furthermore, the connection between the second guide portion and the second bent section forms another conductive connection with the conductive layer of the second abutment portion.

[0017] Furthermore, each terminal and terminal hole is provided with a plurality of terminals, and the plurality of terminal holes are arranged in multiple rows along the second direction. The plurality of terminal holes in each row are arranged along the third direction. Two adjacent terminals in each row form a differential signal pair. The two terminals forming the differential signal pair are arranged symmetrically at the center. The plurality of elastic arms of each terminal are connected end to end. The first arm and the second arm of each elastic arm are gradually moved away from each other in the second direction. When the conductive layer is a metal plating layer plated on the wall of the terminal hole, the first side and the second side of the base are both provided with metal plating layers. The electrical connector further includes at least one grounding element. The grounding element is provided on the first side and electrically connected to the metal plating layer of the first side. The grounding element is electrically connected to the first mating element, thereby realizing a grounding connection. The base includes a plurality of insulating isolation areas. The insulating isolation areas surround the outer periphery of the conductive layer to electrically isolate the terminal from the metal plating layers of the first side and the second side.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The terminal has a first mating portion and a first abutting portion arranged along a first direction at its contact portion. By providing a limiting protrusion that protrudes from the fourth sidewall toward the side closer to the third sidewall and has a first abutting portion facing the third sidewall, the first abutting portion can contact the first abutting portion during the terminal's downward pressing process, increasing the contact points between the terminal and the conductive layer on the terminal hole wall, thereby shortening the signal transmission path. The limiting protrusion forms a first limiting groove with the first sidewall and a second limiting groove with the second sidewall, so that the two arms of the elastic arm in the second direction (the first arm and the second arm) can contact the conductive layers of the corresponding first and second sidewalls, further shortening the signal transmission path, and preventing the terminal from shaking in the second direction during mating, enhancing the contact stability of the terminal, and improving the electrical performance of the electrical connector. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the electrical connector of the first embodiment of the present invention before it is connected to the two mating elements; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the connector and sectional perspective view of the base; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of part A in the image; Figure 4 for Figure 2 The image shows a 3D view of one of the terminals from another perspective; Figure 5 for Figure 2 The image shows a side view of another terminal; Figure 6 for Figure 1 The Zhongdian connector only shows a top view of the base from another angle; Figure 7 for Figure 6 A magnified view of part B in the image; Figure 8 for Figure 2 A three-dimensional sectional view of the base body cut along the Y-axis by a plane defined by the X and Z axes, with some terminals assembled into the base body; Figure 9 for Figure 1 A sectional view showing a top-down perspective is provided, with the X and Y axes defined by a plane that cuts through the body along the Z axis. Figure 10 for Figure 9 A magnified view of the middle section C; Figure 11 for Figure 1 A partial sectional view of an electrical connector cut along the X-axis by a plane defined by the Z and Y axes; Figure 12 for Figure 1 A partial sectional view of the connector after it has mated with two mating elements, cut along the X-axis by a plane defined by the Z and Y axes.

[0020] Explanation of icon numbers: Second side 12 Terminal hole 13 First sidewall 131 First inclined section 1311 First vertical segment 1312 Second sidewall 132 Second inclined section 1321 Second vertical segment 1322 Third side wall 133 Fourth sidewall 134 Limiting convex part 135 First anchorage section 135a Second anchorage section 135b Transition section 135c First end T1 Second end T2 Third end T3 Fourth end T4 First limiting groove 136 Second limiting groove 137 Tank wall 1371 Stop part 138 Insulation isolation zone 14 Metal plating 15 Conductive layer Q Terminal 2 Contact Department 21 First bend section 211 First contact segment 212 First docking section 2121 First landing section 2122 First Guiding Section 2123 Conductor 22 Second bend section 221 Second contact section 222 Second docking section 2221 Second landing section 2222 Second Guidance Section 2223 Elastic part 23 Flexible arm 231 First arm section 2311 Second arm 2312 Joint J Connector 2313 Grounding component 3 First grounding component 3a Second grounding component 3b First docking element 200 Second docking element 300 First direction Z Second direction X Third direction Y Detailed Implementation

[0021] To facilitate a better understanding of the purpose, structure, and features of this invention, a first direction (Z-axis), a second direction (X-axis), and a third direction (Y-axis) are defined. These three directions are perpendicular to each other. The invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 12 The diagram illustrates a specific embodiment of the electrical connector 100 of the present invention. The electrical connector 100 mates with a first mating element 200 and a second mating element 300 along a first direction Z. The first mating element 200 and the second mating element 300 are spaced apart along the first direction Z. The first mating element 200 is a chip module, and the second mating element 300 is a circuit board. In other embodiments, the first mating element 200 and the second mating element 300 may also be other electronic components.

[0023] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the electrical connector 100 includes a base 1, a plurality of terminals 2 disposed on the base 1, and two grounding members 3. Each terminal 2 is a resilient terminal, including a contact portion 21, a conductive portion 22, and a resilient portion 23 connecting the two. The two grounding members 3 are located on opposite sides of the base 1 in a first direction Z. In other embodiments, the grounding members 3 may be disposed on one side of the base 1, with no grounding member on the other side.

[0024] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the base 1 is integrally molded from plastic material and is generally rectangular in structure. The base 1 includes a first side 11 and a second side 12 arranged opposite each other along a first direction Z, a plurality of terminal holes 13 passing through the first side 11 and the second side 12 along the first direction Z, and a plurality of insulating isolation areas 14. The plurality of terminal holes 13 are used to accommodate a plurality of terminals 2 and are arranged one-to-one with the plurality of terminals 2. The elastic part 23 is accommodated in the corresponding terminal hole 13. The contact part 21 protrudes from the first side 11 for docking with the first docking element 200. The guiding part 22 protrudes from the second side 12 for docking with the second docking element 300.

[0025] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 11 As shown, each terminal hole 13 has a conductive layer Q on its hole wall. In this embodiment, the base 1 is integrally formed from plastic material and then electroplated so that all surfaces of the base 1 are provided with a metal plating layer 15. Therefore, the conductive layer Q on the hole wall of the terminal hole 13 is a metal plating layer 15. In other embodiments, the conductive layer Q can also be a metal sleeve made of metal sheet or powder metallurgy or other conductive components. When the conductive layer Q is the metal sleeve, the metal sleeve can be embedded in the terminal hole 13 or fixed to the terminal hole 13 by other means, thus forming part of the hole wall of the terminal hole 13.

[0026] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a plurality of terminal holes 13 are arranged in multiple rows along the second direction X, and the plurality of terminal holes 13 in each row are arranged along the third direction Y. Two adjacent terminal holes 13 in each row are used to accommodate two terminals 2 constituting a differential signal pair. The two terminal holes 13 accommodating the differential signal pair are centrally symmetrically arranged such that one of them overlaps with the other after rotating 180 degrees around the midline between them. In other embodiments, the number of terminal holes 13 may be only one, and the specific number of terminal holes 13 is not limited here.

[0027] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the terminal hole 13 includes a first sidewall 131 and a second sidewall 132 that are opposite to each other and spaced apart along the second direction X, and a third sidewall 133 and a fourth sidewall 134 that are opposite to each other and spaced apart along the third direction Y.

[0028] like Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the first sidewall 131 and the second sidewall 132 are both connected to the third sidewall 133 and the fourth sidewall 134. The third sidewall 133 has an arc-shaped structure protruding into the corresponding terminal hole 103, and the fourth sidewall 134 is parallel to the second direction X. The first sidewall 131 extends from one end of the third sidewall 133 in the second direction X to the fourth sidewall 134, and the first sidewall 131 includes a first inclined section 1311 and a first vertical section 1312 connected to each other. The second sidewall 132 extends from the other end of the third sidewall 133 in the second direction X to the fourth sidewall 134, and the second sidewall 132 includes a second inclined section 1321 and a second vertical section 1322 connected to each other. The first inclined segment 1311 and the second inclined segment 1321 extend inclinedly in the third direction Y toward the side closer to the fourth sidewall 134 and in the second direction X toward the side gradually moving away from each other. The first vertical segment 1312 extends straight from the first inclined segment 1311 toward the side closer to the fourth sidewall 134 in the third direction Y. The second vertical segment 1322 extends straight from the second inclined segment 1321 toward the side closer to the fourth sidewall 134 in the third direction Y. Both the first vertical segment 1312 and the second vertical segment 1322 are perpendicular to the second direction X.

[0029] like Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the terminal hole 13 further includes a limiting protrusion 135, a first limiting groove 136, a second limiting groove 137, and a stop portion 138. The limiting protrusion 135 protrudes from the fourth sidewall 134 toward the third sidewall 133 and extends from the first sidewall 11 to the second sidewall 12 in the first direction Z. The limiting protrusion 135 is located at the middle position of the fourth sidewall 134 in the second direction X and is spaced apart from the first sidewall 131 and the second sidewall 132. The first sidewall 131 and the limiting protrusion 135 form the first limiting groove 136, and the second sidewall 132 and the limiting protrusion 135 form the second limiting groove 137.

[0030] like Figure 3 and Figure 11As shown, the conductive layer Q is provided on the surface of each limiting protrusion 135. Each limiting protrusion 135 has a first abutment portion 135a, a second abutment portion 135b, and a transition portion 135c connecting the two, facing the third sidewall 133. The first abutment portion 135a is closer to the first sidewall 11 along the first direction Z than the second abutment portion 135b and is spaced apart from the second abutment portion 135b. The first abutment portion 135a is an inclined surface, including a first end portion T1 and a second end portion T2 spaced apart along the first direction Z. The first end portion T1 is closer to the first sidewall 11 than the second end portion T2 and is connected to the first sidewall 11. The first abutment portion 135a extends obliquely from the second end portion T2 toward the side closer to the fourth sidewall 134 in the third direction Y to the first end portion T1. The second abutment portion 135b is symmetrically arranged with the first abutment portion 135a in the first direction Z. It includes a third end portion T3 and a fourth end portion T4. The fourth end portion T4 is closer to the second side surface 12 and connected to the second side surface 12 than the third end portion T3. The second abutment portion 135b extends obliquely from the third end portion T3 toward the fourth side wall 134 in the third direction Y to the fourth end portion T4. Both the first abutment portion 135a and the second abutment portion 135b are located at the middle position between the first side wall 131 and the second side wall 132 in the second direction X.

[0031] like Figure 3 and Figure 11 As shown, the first abutting portion 135a is abutted by the contact portion 21, and the second abutting portion 135b is abutted by the guide portion 22. The transition portion 135c is a vertical plane that is approximately parallel to the first direction Z. Considering the draft angle of the seat 1 during injection molding, the second end T2 is located at the junction of the first abutting portion 135a and the transition portion 135c, and the third end T3 is located at the junction of the second abutting portion 135b and the transition portion 135c. In other embodiments, the transition portion 135c can be arc-shaped or other shapes, and the limiting protrusion 135 may not have the transition portion 135c.

[0032] like Figure 6 to Figure 8 As shown, the first limiting groove 136 is formed between the first vertical segment 1312 and the limiting protrusion 135, and extends through the first side surface 11 and the second side surface 12 along the first direction Z. The second limiting groove 137 is formed between the second vertical segment 1322 and the limiting protrusion 135, and extends through the first side surface 11 along the first direction Z but does not extend through the second side surface 12.

[0033] like Figure 6and Figure 7 ,like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the second limiting groove 137 has a groove wall 1371 facing the first side 11 in the first direction Z. The groove wall 1371 is further away from the first side 11 relative to the elastic part 23 in the first direction Z, so as to block the elastic part 23. The groove wall 1371 connects the second side wall 132, the fourth side wall 134 and the limiting protrusion 135. The first limiting groove 136 and the second limiting groove 137 are both part of the terminal hole 13.

[0034] like Figure 3 and Figure 11 As shown, the blocking portion 138 protrudes from the third sidewall 133 toward the side closer to the fourth sidewall 134 in the third direction Y, and is spaced apart from and opposite to the limiting protrusion 135. The blocking portion 138 is disposed further away from the first sidewall 11 relative to the elastic portion 23 in the first direction Z, so as to block at least a portion of the elastic portion 23. The blocking portion 138 extends to the second sidewall 12 along the first direction Z.

[0035] like Figure 2 , such as 3 and Figure 12 As shown, a plurality of insulating isolation areas 14 are disposed around the outer periphery of the conductive layer Q of the terminal hole 13 to electrically isolate the terminal 2 from the metal plating layer 15 of the first side 11 and the metal plating layer 15 of the second side 12.

[0036] As shown in the figure, Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the terminal 2 is integrally bent from metal material. Multiple terminals 2 are arranged in multiple rows in the second direction X. Multiple terminals 2 in each row are aligned along the third direction Y. Multiple terminals 2 are housed in multiple terminal holes 13 in a one-to-one correspondence. The two terminals 2 constituting the differential signal pair are centrally symmetrically arranged, such that one of them overlaps with the other after rotating 180 degrees around the centerline between them.

[0037] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the elastic part 23 includes a plurality of elastic arms 231 arranged and interconnected along the first direction Z. The plurality of elastic arms 231 are connected end-to-end, which helps to improve the elasticity of the elastic part 23. In other embodiments, the plurality of elastic arms 231 of the elastic part 23 are not only connected end-to-end, but one or more of the elastic arms 231 may also be connected together in the middle or at other parts. Each elastic arm 231 of the elastic part 23 has an outwardly expanding U-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the first direction Z. In other embodiments, each elastic arm 231 of the elastic part 23 may also have a generally V-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the first direction Z. Specifically, the elastic arm 231 includes a first arm portion 2311 and a second arm portion 2312 disposed opposite to each other along the second direction X, and a connecting portion 2313 connecting the two. The first arm portion 2311 and the second arm portion 2312 are bent from both ends of the connecting portion 2313 in the second direction X toward the side near the limiting protrusion 135 and extend in the third direction Y toward the side near the fourth sidewall 134. The first arm portion 2311 and the second arm portion 2312 are gradually moved away from each other in the second direction X. The two terminals 2 constituting the differential signal pair are centrally symmetrically arranged, such that one of them overlaps its contour after rotating 180 degrees relative to the other about the centerline between them. The connecting portion 2313 is a bent arc-shaped structure, corresponding to the shape of the third sidewall 133.

[0038] like Figures 8 to 10 As shown, at least a portion of the second arm 2312 of the terminal 2 is received in the first limiting groove 136, and at least a portion of the second arm 2312 is received in the second limiting groove 137. This facilitates the prevention of the terminal 2 from violently shaking in the second direction X under pressure when the electrical connector 100 contacts the first mating element 200 and / or the second mating element 300 after the terminal 2 is assembled in the terminal hole 13. In this embodiment, at least half or nearly half of the length of both the first arm 2311 and the second arm 2312 is received in the corresponding first limiting groove 136 and second limiting groove 137, further improving the stability of the terminal 2 received in the terminal hole 13 and reducing the amplitude of the shaking in the second direction X after the terminal 2 is pressed.

[0039] like Figures 8 to 10As shown, both the first arm portion 2311 and the second arm portion 2312 are provided with a joint portion J. The joint portion J of the first arm portion 2311 is received in the first limiting groove 136 and abuts against the conductive layer Q of the first vertical segment 1312. The joint portion J of the second arm portion 2312 is received in the second limiting groove 137 and abuts against the conductive layer Q of the second vertical segment 1322. The overall structure of the first sidewall 131 and the second sidewall 132 is coordinated with the structure of the elastic arm 231, that is, it is first inclined and then parallel to the third side. The Y-shaped arrangement, combined with the outwardly expanding U-shaped structure of the elastic arm 231, creates gaps between the first arm portion 2311 and the second arm portion 2312 and the corresponding first sidewall 131 and second sidewall 132. This reduces the frictional force between the terminal 2 and the first sidewall 131 and second sidewall 132 after assembly into the terminal hole 13. Furthermore, the two joint portions J of the elastic arm 231 can elastically abut against the first sidewall 131 and second sidewall 132 through the elastic force of the elastic arm 231 itself, thereby improving contact stability.

[0040] like Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, the contact portion 21 connects to the second arm portion 2312 of the elastic portion 23 closest to the first side surface 11, and includes a first bent section 211 and a first contact portion 212 connected to each other. One end of the first bent section 211 connects to one end of the elastic portion 23 in the first direction Z, that is, it connects to the end of the first arm portion 2311 or the end of the second arm portion 2312 of the elastic portion 23 closest to the first side surface 11, and bends and extends from the first arm portion 2311 or the second arm portion 2312 toward the center of the terminal 2. The first contact portion 212 extends obliquely from the other end of the first bent section 211 in the first direction Z toward the side away from the second side surface 12 and in the third direction Y toward the side closer to the fourth sidewall 134 (see reference). Figure 12 The first contact segment 212 is located approximately at the center of the terminal 2.

[0041] like Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, the first contact segment 212 includes a first docking portion 2121, a first abutting portion 2122, and a first guiding portion 2123. The first docking portion 2121 is disposed further away from the guiding portion 22 in the first direction Z relative to the first abutting portion 2122, and the first docking portion 2121 protrudes from the first side surface 11 for docking with the first docking element 200 in the first direction Z.

[0042] like Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the first abutting part 2122 is located between the first docking part 2121 and the first guiding part 2123, and the first abutting part 2122 is used to abut the first abutting part 135a. The first guide portion 2123 extends obliquely from the other end of the first bent section 211 towards the side closer to the second side 12 in the first direction Z and towards the side closer to the third sidewall 133 in the third direction Y. It is used to guide the first contact section 212 to move in the correct position along the first direction Z toward the corresponding terminal hole 13. When the electrical connector 100 mates with the first mating element 200, the first abutting portion 2122 can smoothly abut against the conductive layer Q of the first abutting portion 135a under the guidance of the first guide portion 2123 and the combined action of the oblique structure of the first abutting portion 135a, reducing the scratching of the conductive layer Q. The connection between the first guide portion 2123 and the first bent section 211 forms another conductive connection with the conductive layer Q of the first abutting portion 135a. In this way, it can be ensured that the contact portion 21 and the conductive layer Q form multiple contacts. Even if one contact is poor, there is another to ensure contact.

[0043] like Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, the guide portion 22 connects to the first arm portion 2311 of the elastic portion 23 closest to the second side surface 12, and includes a second bent section 221 and a second contact section 222 connected to each other. One end of the second bent section 221 is connected to the end of the first arm portion 2311 or the end of the second arm portion 2312 of the elastic portion 23 closest to the second side surface 12, and extends bent from the first arm portion 2311 or the second arm portion 2312 toward the center of the terminal 2. The second contact section 222 extends obliquely from the other end of the second bent section 221 toward the side opposite to the first side surface 11 in the first direction Z and toward the side closer to the fourth side wall 134 in the third direction Y (see reference). Figure 12 The second contact segment 222 is located approximately at the center of the terminal 2.

[0044] like Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, the second contact segment 222 includes a second mating portion 2221, a second abutting portion 2222, and a second guiding portion 2223. The second mating portion 2221 is disposed further away from the contact portion 21 in the first direction Z relative to the second abutting portion 2222. The second mating portion 2221 protrudes from the second side surface 12 for mating with the second mating element 300 in the second direction X (see reference). Figure 12 ).

[0045] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the second abutting part 2222 is located between the second docking part 2221 and the second guiding part 2223, and the second abutting part 2222 is used to abut the second abutting part 135b. The second guide portion 2223 extends obliquely from the other end of the second bent section 221 in the first direction Z toward the side closer to the contact portion 21 and in the third direction Y toward the side closer to the third sidewall 133. It guides the second contact section 222 to move in the first direction Z toward the corresponding terminal hole 13 to the correct position. When the electrical connector 100 mates with the second mating element 300, the second abutment portion 2222, guided by the second guide portion 2223 and with the combined action of the oblique structure of the second abutment portion 135b, can smoothly abut against the conductive layer Q of the second abutment portion 135b, reducing the scratching of the conductive layer Q. The connection between the second guide portion 2223 and the second bent section 221 forms another connection with the conductive layer Q of the second abutment portion 135b. This ensures that the guide portion 22 and the conductive layer Q form multiple contacts, so that even if one contact is poor, there is another to ensure contact.

[0046] like Figure 2 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, there are two grounding components 3, one of which is defined as the first grounding component 3a, and the other as the second grounding component b3. The first grounding component 3a is disposed on the first side 11 and electrically connected to the metal plating layer 15 of the first side 11, and the second grounding component b3 is disposed on the second side 12 and electrically connected to the metal plating layer 15 of the second side 12, thereby achieving grounding.

[0047] like Figure 2 , Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, when the electrical connector 100 mates with the first mating element 200 and the second mating element 300, the first grounding member 3a is electrically connected to the first mating element 200, thereby achieving a grounding connection; the second grounding member 3b is electrically connected to the second mating element 300, thereby achieving a grounding connection; the first mating portion 2121 of the terminal 2 is pressed and contacts the first mating element 200; the first contact segment 212 moves along the first direction Z toward the corresponding terminal hole 13; the first abutting portion 2122 abuts against the first abutting portion 135a and is electrically connected to the conductive layer Q of the first abutting portion 135a; the first... The connection between the guide portion 2123 and the first bent section 211 forms another conductive connection with the conductive layer Q of the first abutting portion 135a. Similarly, the second mating portion 2221 is pressed and contacts the second mating element 300. The second contact section 222 moves along the first direction Z toward the corresponding terminal hole 13. The second abutting portion 2222 abuts against the second abutting portion 135b and is electrically connected to the conductive layer Q of the second abutting portion 135b. The connection between the second guide portion 2223 and the second bent section 221 forms another conductive connection with the conductive layer Q of the second abutting portion 135b, thereby realizing high-speed transmission of differential signals.

[0048] The electrical connector of the present invention also has the following beneficial effects: 1. The terminal 2 has a first mating portion 2121 and a first abutting portion 2122 arranged along the first direction Z in the contact portion 21. By providing a limiting protrusion 135 that protrudes relative to the fourth sidewall 134 toward the side closer to the third sidewall 133, and has a first abutting portion 135a facing the third sidewall 133, the first abutting portion 135a can contact the first abutting portion 2122 during the pressing process of the terminal 2, increasing the contact points between the terminal 2 and the conductive layer Q on the hole wall of the terminal hole 13, thereby shortening the signal transmission path. The protrusion 135 forms the first limiting groove 136 with the first sidewall 131 and the second limiting groove 137 with the second sidewall 132, so that the two arms of the elastic arm 231 in the second direction X (the first arm 2311 and the second arm 2312) can contact the conductive layer Q of the corresponding first sidewall 131 and second sidewall 132, further shortening the signal transmission path, and preventing the terminal 2 from shaking in the second direction X during docking, thereby enhancing the contact stability of the terminal 2 and improving the electrical performance of the electrical connector 100.

[0049] 2. By providing a stop portion 138 that protrudes from the third sidewall 133 toward the side closer to the fourth sidewall 134, and is disposed further away from the first sidewall 11 in the first direction Z relative to the plurality of connecting portions 2313 of the elastic portion 23, the terminal 2 is stopped, effectively limiting the displacement range of the elastic portion 23 and preventing the terminal 2 from dislodging from the terminal hole 13 along the first direction Z toward the second sidewall 12.

[0050] 3. By positioning the first abutting part 135a at the midpoint between the first sidewall 131 and the second sidewall 132 in the second direction X, and positioning the first abutting part 2122 at the midpoint between the third sidewall 133 and the fourth sidewall 134 in the third direction Y, when the first mating element 200 presses against the electrical connector 100, the force point of the terminal 2 is located at the center of the terminal hole 13 and the terminal 2, thus avoiding the inability to accurately mate with the first mating element 200 due to contact point offset, thereby preventing poor contact.

[0051] 4. The terminal 2 is provided with the second abutment portion 2222, and the limiting protrusion 135 is provided with the second abutment portion 135b, so that when the electrical connector 100 is mated with the second mating element 300, the second abutment portion 2222 can contact the conductive layer Q on the second abutment portion 135b to achieve electrical connection. This increases the contact points between the terminal 2 and the conductive layer Q on the hole wall of the terminal hole 13, further shortens the signal transmission path, and reduces the transmission loss of high-frequency signals.

[0052] 5. The structural design of the elastic arm 231, with its ends connected and forming a continuous elastic support through a U-shaped or V-shaped cross-section, increases the length of the lever arm, resulting in better elasticity of the elastic arm 231. Simultaneously, the gradual separation of the first arm portion 2311 and the second arm portion 2312 in the second direction X makes the stress distribution of the elastic arm 231 more uniform during compression, reducing the risk of localized fracture.

[0053] 6. The second limiting groove 137 passes through the first side 11 along the first direction Z but does not pass through the second side 12. This blind groove design further blocks the corresponding second arm 2312, preventing the terminal 2 from disengaging from the corresponding terminal hole 13 along the first direction Z toward the second side 12.

[0054] 7. The first sidewall 131, by providing the first inclined section 1311 and the first vertical section 1312, has a structure that first slopes and then gradually flattens to the wall of the terminal hole 13 parallel to the third direction Y. Combined with the outward expansion structure of the elastic arm 231, it ensures that the first arm 2311 and the first inclined section 1311 are in a clearance fit to reduce contact friction, while also ensuring that the joint portion J of the first arm 2311 is in stable contact with the first vertical section 1312. Similarly, the second sidewall 132 is provided with the second inclined section 1321 and the second vertical section 1322, so that the second arm 2312 and the second inclined section 1321 are in a clearance fit to reduce contact friction, while also ensuring that the joint portion J of the second arm 2312 is in stable contact with the second vertical section 1322.

[0055] 8. The beveled design of the first abutment portion 135a reduces impact stress during mating through a gradual contact method, extending the service life of the electrical connector 100. Furthermore, the inclined extension design of the first contact section 212 improves the compatibility between the first abutment portion 2122 and the first abutment portion 135a, reducing the mating failure rate.

[0056] 9. Both the first guide portion 2123 and the second guide portion 2223 are designed to extend obliquely in the Y direction, providing guidance for the movement of the first docking portion 2121 and the second docking portion 2221 respectively, reducing the risk of offset during docking. Furthermore, the first guide portion 2123 makes the sliding of the first abutment portion 2122 and its contact with the first abutment portion 135a smoother, reducing scratching of the conductive layer Q of the first abutment portion 135a. The second guide portion 2223 makes the sliding of the second abutment portion 2222 and its contact with the second abutment portion 135a smoother. The contact process of the abutting part 135b is smoother, reducing the scratching of the conductive layer Q of the second abutting part 135b. In addition, the connection between the first guide part 2123 and the first bending section 211 forms another conductive connection with the conductive layer Q of the first abutting part 135a, and the connection between the second guide part 2223 and the second bending section 221 forms another conductive connection with the conductive layer Q of the second abutting part 135b. In this way, it can be ensured that the contact part 21 and the conductive part 22 respectively form multiple contacts with the conductive layer Q. Even if one contact is poor, there is another to ensure contact.

[0057] 10. By centrally symmetrically arranging the two terminals 2 constituting the differential signal pair, the coupling area within the differential signal pair is increased, the coupling effect is improved, and the anti-interference capability of signal transmission is significantly enhanced; in addition, the centrally symmetrical structural design simplifies the manufacturing process of the terminals 2 and the terminal holes 13, and reduces production costs.

[0058] The above detailed description is only an illustration of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the patent scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made using the content of this invention's specification and illustrations are included within the patent scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, characterized in that, include: A body includes a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other along a first direction, and at least one terminal hole; The terminal hole extends through the first side and the second side along a first direction, and has a conductive layer on its hole wall. The terminal hole has a first sidewall and a second sidewall disposed opposite to each other along a second direction, and a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall disposed opposite to each other along a third direction. The first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are perpendicular to each other. The first sidewall and the second sidewall are both connected to the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall. A limiting protrusion extends from the fourth sidewall toward the third sidewall and has a first abutting portion facing the third sidewall. A first limiting groove is formed between the limiting protrusion and the first sidewall, and a second limiting groove is formed between the limiting protrusion and the second sidewall. The first limiting groove and the second limiting groove form part of the terminal hole. At least one flexible terminal includes a contact portion, an elastic portion, and a conductive portion connected in sequence. The elastic portion is received in the terminal hole. The contact portion includes a first mating portion and a first abutting portion. The first mating portion protrudes from the first side surface for mating with a first mating element in a first direction. The first abutting portion is closer to the conductive portion relative to the first mating portion in the first direction. The conductive portion is exposed on the second side surface for guiding a second mating element in the first direction. The elastic portion includes a plurality of elastic arms arranged and interconnected along a first direction. Each elastic arm includes a first arm portion and a second arm portion disposed opposite to each other along a second direction, and a connecting portion connecting the two. The first arm portion and the second arm portion bend from both ends of the connecting portion in the second direction toward the side near the limiting protrusion and extend in the third direction toward the side near the fourth sidewall, and each has a joint portion. At least a portion of the second arm portion is received in the first limiting groove, and at least a portion of the second arm portion is received in the second limiting groove. The joint portion of the first arm portion abuts against the conductive layer of the first sidewall, and the joint portion of the second arm portion abuts against the conductive layer of the second sidewall. When the electrical connector is mated with the first mating element, the first mating portion abuts against the first mating element, the terminal is compressed along the first direction, and the first abutting portion abuts against the conductive layer of the first abutting portion.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The terminal hole includes a stop portion that protrudes from the third sidewall toward the sidewall closer to the fourth sidewall and is spaced apart from the limiting protrusion. The stop portion is located further away from the first sidewall in a first direction relative to the plurality of connecting portions of the elastic portion, in order to stop the elastic portion.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first abutting part is located at the midpoint between the first sidewall and the second sidewall in the second direction, and the first abutting part is located at the midpoint between the third sidewall and the fourth sidewall in the third direction.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting protrusion extends from the first side to the second side in a first direction and includes a second abutting portion. The second abutting portion is closer to the second side and spaced apart from the first abutting portion. The guiding portion includes a second mating portion and a second abutting portion. The second abutting portion is closer to the contact portion than the second mating portion and is used to abut against the second abutting portion. The second mating portion protrudes from the second side and is used to abut against the second mating element.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The contact portion connects to the second arm portion of the elastic portion closest to the first side, and the guide portion connects to the first arm portion of the elastic portion closest to the second side. The first limiting groove extends through the first side and the second side along the first direction, and the second limiting groove extends through the first side along the first direction but does not extend through the second side. One wall of the second limiting groove in the first direction is closer to the second side than the elastic portion, so as to block the elastic portion.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multiple elastic arms of the elastic part are connected end to end. The first arm portion and the second arm portion of each elastic arm are gradually moved away from each other in a second direction. The first sidewall includes a first inclined segment and a first vertical segment connected to each other. The second sidewall includes a second inclined segment and a second vertical segment connected to each other. The first inclined segment and the second inclined segment extend inclinedly towards the side closer to the fourth sidewall in a third direction and towards the side gradually moving away from each other in a second direction. The first vertical segment extends straight from the first inclined segment towards the side closer to the fourth sidewall in a third direction. The second vertical segment extends straight from the second inclined segment towards the side closer to the fourth sidewall in a third direction. Both the first vertical segment and the second vertical segment are perpendicular to the second direction. A first limiting groove is formed between the first vertical segment and the limiting protrusion. The joint portion of the first arm portion is used to abut against the first vertical segment. A second limiting groove is formed between the second vertical segment and the limiting protrusion. The joint portion of the second arm portion is used to abut against the second vertical segment.

7. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The contact portion includes a first bent section and a first contact section. One end of the first bent section is connected to the end of the first arm or the end of the second arm. The first contact section extends obliquely from the other end of the first bent section in a first direction toward the side away from the second side and in a third direction toward the side closer to the fourth sidewall. The first mating portion and the first abutting portion are disposed on the first contact section. The first abutting portion is an inclined surface. The first abutting portion has a first end and a second end spaced apart in a first direction. The first end is closer to the first side relative to the second end and is connected to the first side. The first abutting portion extends obliquely from the second end toward the side closer to the fourth sidewall in a third direction to the first end.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: The contact portion further includes a first guide portion for guiding the contact portion to contact the limiting protrusion. The first guide portion extends obliquely from the other end of the first bent section toward the side closer to the guide portion in a first direction and toward the side closer to the third sidewall in a third direction.

9. The electrical connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The connection between the first guide portion and the first bent section forms another conductive connection with the conductive layer of the first abutting portion.

10. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide portion includes a second bent section, a second contact section, and a second guide portion. One end of the second bent section is connected to the end of the first arm or the end of the second arm. The second contact section extends obliquely from the other end of the second bent section in a first direction toward the side away from the first side and in a third direction toward the side closer to the fourth sidewall. The first contact section has a second mating portion and a second abutting portion. The limiting protrusion has a second abutting portion facing the third sidewall and disposed away from the first sidewall than the first abutting portion. The second abutting portion is an inclined surface. The second abutting portion has a third end and a fourth end disposed opposite to each other in a first direction. The fourth end is closer to the second sidewall than the third end and is connected to the second sidewall. The second abutting portion extends obliquely from the third end toward the side closer to the fourth sidewall in a third direction. The second guide portion is used to guide the guide portion to contact the limiting protrusion. The second guide portion extends obliquely from the other end of the second bent section in a first direction toward the side closer to the contact portion and in a third direction toward the side closer to the third sidewall.

11. The electrical connector according to claim 10, characterized in that: The connection between the second guide portion and the second bent section forms another conductive connection with the conductive layer of the second abutment portion.

12. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The terminal and terminal hole are provided in multiple rows along the second direction. The terminal holes in each row are arranged along the third direction. Two adjacent terminals in each row form a differential signal pair. The two terminals forming the differential signal pair are arranged symmetrically at the center. The multiple elastic arms of each terminal are connected end to end. The first arm and the second arm of each elastic arm are gradually moved away from each other in the second direction. When the conductive layer is a metal plating layer plated on the wall of the terminal hole, the first side and the second side of the base are both provided with metal plating layers. The electrical connector further includes at least one grounding element. The grounding element is provided on the first side and electrically connected to the metal plating layer of the first side. The grounding element is electrically connected to the first mating element to achieve grounding connection. The base includes multiple insulating isolation areas. The insulating isolation areas surround the outer periphery of the conductive layer to electrically isolate the terminal from the metal plating layers of the first side and the second side.

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