Electric connector, board end connector and electronic system

By introducing elastic members and flexible interconnections into the electrical connectors, floating connections and position compensation are achieved, solving the shortcomings of existing electrical connectors in high-precision alignment, and improving the accuracy and stability of the connection.

CN222620267UActive Publication Date: 2025-03-14AMPHENOL COMML PROD (CHENGDU) CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202420567161.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-03-22
Publication Date
2025-03-14
Estimated Expiration
2034-03-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing electrical connectors have shortcomings in high-precision alignment, resulting in signal distortion and interference, and are more prominent in high-speed transmission and high-frequency signal transmission.

Method used

An electrical connector is designed, and a combined structure of a first housing, a first interface portion, a first support member, a first elastic member, a second interface portion and a flexible interconnection portion are adopted. By providing a first elastic member between the outer surface of the first support member and the inner surface of the first housing, a floating connection of the electrical connector is achieved, and position compensation and buffering are provided through the flexible interconnection.

Benefits of technology

Improves the accuracy and stability of the connection between the electrical connector and the mating connector, extends the service life of the electrical connector, and adapts to more complex installation environments.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides an electric connector, a board end connector and an electronic system. The electrical connector comprises: a first housing; the first interface part is at least partially arranged in the first shell; a first support member at least partially received in the first housing and positioned proximate to the first opening portion, the first interface portion being fixedly connected to the first support member; a first elastic member disposed between an outer surface of the first support member and an inner surface of the first housing, the first elastic member being deformable to allow the first support member to shift relative to the first housing in at least one of a second direction and a third direction; the second interface part is at least partially arranged in the first shell; and a flexible interconnection portion disposed between the first interface portion and the second interface portion and electrically connecting the first conductive element of the first interface portion with the second conductive element of the second interface portion.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electrical connectors, and more particularly, to a board-to-board connector for connecting two circuit boards. Background Art

[0002] This section provides background information related to the present application but this information does not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] An electrical connector is a commonly used connection device for connecting two devices or two electronic components. For example, an electrical connector is required when connecting two printed circuit boards. The electrical connectors commonly used to connect two printed circuit boards are all two-piece plug-in structures, and the two-piece plug-in structures include a male connector and a female connector that fit together. The male connector and the female connector are respectively provided with high-frequency contacts and low-frequency contacts. The high-frequency contacts and the low-frequency contacts are rigidly fixed in the male connector and the female connector, respectively. When two printed circuit boards are connected together through the male connector and the female connector, there is a corresponding relationship between the joint positions of the male connector and the female connector, so the male connector and the female connector can only be joined when the positions are aligned. However, in the actual assembly process, there will be a certain deviation between the male connector and the female connector at the joint position connected to the corresponding circuit board. When this deviation exceeds a certain degree, the contact on the male connector and the corresponding contact on the female connector may no longer be coaxial, affecting the connection reliability.

[0004] Therefore, it is usually required that the male connector and the female connector be aligned with high precision, that is, the relative offset between the male connector and the female connector in the direction perpendicular to the plug-in direction cannot be too large. If the relative offset exceeds the predetermined value, the transmission distance and path between the male connector and the female connector will change, resulting in signal distortion and interference. In addition, the relatively large offset between the male connector and the female connector will also increase the contact area or pressure of the corresponding conductive parts, thereby increasing the friction or pressure between the contact parts, thereby affecting the reliability of the electrical connector.

[0005] Especially in connector applications that require higher precision, such as high-speed transmission and high-frequency signal transmission, it is even more necessary to ensure that the offset of the electrical connector meets the standards.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an electrical connector that can achieve more reliable power and signal transmission and at the same time be flexibly connected to accommodate assembly deviations. Utility Model Content

[0007] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0008] In view of the problems existing in the above conventional technologies, there is a need to improve the relevant electrical connectors to overcome or alleviate all or at least part of the above technical problems.

[0009] One aspect of the present application provides an electrical connector. In some exemplary embodiments, the electrical connector has a length extending along a first direction, a width extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a thickness extending along a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction. The electrical connector may include: a first shell, the first shell is formed to have a cylindrical shape, the first shell has a first opening portion and a second opening portion opposite to the first opening portion in a first direction of the first shell; a first interface portion, the first interface portion is at least partially arranged in the first shell, the first interface portion includes a first conductive element and extends beyond the first opening portion in the first direction; a first support member, the first support member is at least partially received in the first shell and positioned close to the first opening portion, the first interface portion is fixedly connected to the first support member; a first elastic member, the first elastic member is arranged between the outer surface of the first support member and the inner surface of the first shell, the first elastic member is deformable to allow the first support member to be offset relative to the first shell in at least one of the second direction and the third direction; a second interface portion, the second interface portion is at least partially arranged in the first shell, the second interface portion includes a second conductive element and extends beyond the second opening portion in the first direction; and a flexible interconnection portion, the flexible interconnection portion is arranged between the first interface portion and the second interface portion, and electrically connects the first conductive element of the first interface portion with the second conductive element of the second interface portion.

[0010] By arranging a first elastic member between the outer surface of the first supporting member and the inner surface of the first shell, when the electrical connector is assembled with the corresponding electronic component, the first interface portion of the electrical connector can be connected in a floating manner relative to the first shell in at least one of the second direction and the third direction. The floating amount of the first interface fixedly connected to the first supporting member can be automatically adjusted according to the actual application situation by the deformable first elastic member. The first elastic member can realize a flexible connection and has a certain position compensation and buffering effect during the connection process, thereby improving the connection accuracy and stability between the electrical connector and the mating connector, and at the same time extending the service life of the electrical connector.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the electrical connector also includes a second support member, which is at least partially received in the first shell and positioned near the second opening portion, and the second interface portion is fixedly connected to the second support member; and a second elastic member, which is arranged between the outer surface of the second support member and the inner surface of the first shell, and the second elastic member is deformable to allow the second support member to be offset relative to the first shell in at least one of the second direction and the third direction.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the first support member is provided with a mounting hole extending through the first support member along the first direction, and the second support member is provided with a mounting hole extending through the second support member along the first direction.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the first support member is provided with a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole, and the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole are arranged symmetrically about the first central axis of the electrical connector. The second support member is provided with a third mounting hole and a fourth mounting hole, and the third mounting hole and the fourth mounting hole are arranged symmetrically about the first central axis of the electrical connector.

[0014] The first mounting hole is aligned with the third mounting hole in the first direction of the electrical connector; and the second mounting hole is aligned with the fourth mounting hole in the first direction of the electrical connector.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the first supporting member may include a first body portion received in the first housing, an outer peripheral surface of the first body portion being provided with a continuous first annular recess, and the first elastic member being received in the first annular recess.

[0016] The second supporting member may include a second body portion received in the first housing, an outer peripheral surface of the second body portion being provided with a continuous second annular recessed portion, and the second elastic member being received in the second annular recessed portion.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the first support member and the second support member may include an engagement portion engaged with an outer surface of the first housing to restrict movement of the first housing in the first direction.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the first support member is formed as a profiled piece, the first support member including a first inner side surface adjacent to the flexible interconnection portion and a first outer side surface opposite to the first inner side surface in a first direction.

[0019] The first supporting member includes a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion, and the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are arranged on two opposite side edges of the first outer side surface in the third direction; the first shell includes a first shell side surface and a second shell side surface opposite to the first shell side surface in the third direction, and a first concave portion and a second concave portion are formed on the first shell side surface, and a third concave portion and a fourth concave portion are formed on the second shell side surface.

[0020] The first engaging portion engages with the first concave portion of the first housing side surface; and the second engaging portion engages with the third concave portion of the second housing side surface.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the second supporting member is formed as a special-shaped member, the second supporting member includes a second inner side surface adjacent to the flexible interconnection portion and a second outer side surface opposite to the second inner side surface in the first direction. The second supporting member includes a third engaging portion and a fourth engaging portion, and the third engaging portion and the fourth engaging portion are arranged on two opposite side edges of the second outer side surface in the third direction.

[0022] The third engaging portion engages with the second concave portion of the first housing side surface; and the fourth engaging portion engages with the fourth concave portion of the second housing side surface.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the first engaging portion, the second engaging portion, the third engaging portion, and the fourth engaging portion has a U-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction, and an opening portion of the U-shape is disposed toward the flexible interconnection portion.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, the first interface portion is arranged between the first mounting hole and the second mounting hole in the second direction; and the second interface portion is arranged between the third mounting hole and the fourth mounting hole in the second direction.

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments, the first shell includes a first accommodating portion and a second accommodating portion arranged on an inner circumferential surface of the first shell, the first supporting member is accommodated in the first accommodating portion, the second supporting member is accommodated in the second accommodating portion, and each of the first accommodating portion and the second accommodating portion is formed to have a concave shape and are spaced apart from each other in a first direction of the electrical connector.

[0026] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the first conductive element of the first interface portion and the second conductive element of the second interface portion is configured as a printed circuit board and includes a first terminal portion provided with one or more power transmission contact portions; and a second terminal portion provided with one or more signal transmission contact portions, and the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the first elastic member and the second elastic member is formed of a silicone rubber gasket.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, the flexible interconnection portion may include a flexible flat cable connected to the first interface portion and the second interface portion by welding.

[0029] Another aspect of the present application provides a board-end connector. In some exemplary embodiments, the board-end connector has a height extending along a first direction, a width extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a thickness extending along a third direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the second direction.

[0030] The board-end connector may include: a terminal assembly, the terminal assembly includes a plurality of conductive sub-assemblies and a accommodating component that accommodates the plurality of conductive sub-assemblies and is formed as an integral piece with the plurality of conductive sub-assemblies; and a second shell, the second shell is formed with a plurality of channels for receiving the terminal assembly, the second shell includes an installation end to be installed with a circuit board and a mating end opposite to the installation end, the second shell is formed with a slot, and the insertion interface of the slot is arranged at the mating end of the second shell.

[0031] A plurality of conductive sub-components are arranged side by side in a manner spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and each of the plurality of conductive sub-components includes a pair of first elongated conductive elements facing each other in the third direction; and a pair of second elongated conductive elements facing each other in the third direction, wherein the size of the first elongated conductive elements in the first direction is greater than the size of the second elongated conductive elements in the first direction, and the proximal end of the first elongated conductive elements is formed at the insertion interface of the slot.

[0032] In some exemplary embodiments, four conductive sub-components of the plurality of conductive sub-components are formed as power transmission terminals, and the remaining conductive sub-components of the plurality of conductive sub-components are formed as signal transmission terminals.

[0033] In some exemplary embodiments, the second shell may include a first protrusion and a second protrusion arranged on opposite sides of the second shell in the second direction, a dimension of each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the first direction is smaller than a dimension of the first elongated conductive element in the first direction, and each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is formed with an orifice.

[0034] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the first elongated conductive elements includes a first proximal end adjacent to the plug interface, a first distal end opposite to the first proximal end, and one or more bends disposed between the first proximal end and the first distal end. The paired first elongated conductive elements include a first contact portion and a second contact portion adjacent to the first proximal end and protruding toward the second central axis of the board connector, the first contact portion and the second contact portion being exposed in the slot.

[0035] Each of the second elongated conductive elements includes: a second distal end flush with the first distal end of the first elongated conductive element; a second proximal end opposite to the second distal end, and one or more bends disposed between the second proximal end and the second distal end. The paired second elongated conductive elements include a third contact portion and a fourth contact portion adjacent to the second proximal end and protruding toward the second central axis of the board connector, and the third contact portion and the fourth contact portion are exposed in the slot.

[0036] In some exemplary embodiments, the pair of first elongated conductive elements are mirror images about a second center axis of the board header connector; and the pair of second elongated conductive elements are mirror images about the second center axis of the board header connector.

[0037] In some exemplary embodiments, a distance between the first contact portion of the first elongated conductive element and the third contact portion of the second elongated conductive element is in the range of 6 mm to 9 mm.

[0038] In some exemplary embodiments, the first distal end of each first elongated conductive element extends through the mounting end of the second shell and has an L-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction; and the second distal end of each second elongated conductive element extends through the mounting end of the second shell and has a T-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction.

[0039] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the second elongated conductive elements includes a twisting portion disposed between the second proximal end and the second distal end, the twisting portion connecting the first band-shaped portion and the second band-shaped portion disposed at opposite ends of the twisting portion so that a normal direction of a major surface of the first band-shaped portion and a normal direction of a major surface of the second band-shaped portion form a twisting angle in the range of 0 to 90 degrees.

[0040] In some exemplary embodiments, each first elongated conductive element includes a support arm and an elastic arm disposed between a first proximal end and a first distal end, the support arm being adjacent to the first distal end and connected to the elastic arm, and each of the first contact portion and the second contact portion being disposed on the elastic arm.

[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, the elastic arm includes a main elastic arm and a secondary elastic arm, both of which extend from a position where the elastic arm is connected to the support arm toward a direction away from the support arm, and the main elastic arm and the secondary elastic arm are spaced apart from each other, and each of the first contact portion and the second contact portion is arranged on a side of the main elastic arm that is opposite to the secondary elastic arm.

[0042] In some exemplary embodiments, the length of the main elastic arm is greater than the length of the secondary elastic arm.

[0043] Another aspect of the present application provides an electronic system. In some exemplary embodiments, the electronic system includes: a first circuit board; a first board-end connector, the first board-end connector is the board-end connector provided according to the aforementioned aspect of the present application, and the first board-end connector is connected to the first circuit board through a connecting device; and an electrical connector, the electrical connector is the electrical connector provided according to the aforementioned aspect of the present application, and the electrical connector is fitted to the first board-end connector so that the first interface portion of the electrical connector is inserted into the slot of the first board-end connector.

[0044] In some exemplary embodiments, the second shell of the first board end connector includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion arranged on opposite sides of the second shell in the second direction, a dimension of each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the first direction is smaller than a dimension of the first elongated conductive element in the first direction, and each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is formed with an opening.

[0045] The first support member is provided with a mounting hole extending through the first support member along the first direction.

[0046] The connecting device includes a locking portion and a guiding portion connected to the locking portion, wherein the guiding portion extends along a first direction, the first board end connector is fixedly connected to the first circuit board through the locking portion, and the guiding portion extends through an opening of the second shell and extends beyond a mating end of the second shell.

[0047] In a case where the electric connector is fitted to the first board-side connector, the guide portion is inserted into the mounting hole of the first supporting member of the electric connector.

[0048] In some exemplary embodiments, the locking portion includes a first cylindrical portion connected to the guide portion and a second cylindrical portion having a diameter smaller than that of the first cylindrical portion, a first stopper is formed at a joint surface of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, and the connecting device includes a second stopper spaced apart from the first stopper in the first direction.

[0049] The end of the locking portion opposite to the guide portion includes a hollow cavity provided with an internal thread portion, and when the threaded connector is inserted into the hollow cavity and engaged with the internal thread portion, the first circuit board is clamped between the first stopper portion and the second stopper portion.

[0050] In some exemplary embodiments, when the electrical connector is fitted to the first board-side connector, the guide portion is connected to the mounting hole of the first supporting member of the electrical connector in a clearance-fit manner.

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, the first conductive element of the first interface portion includes a first terminal portion having one or more power transmission contact portions; and a second terminal portion having one or more signal transmission contact portions, the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion being spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

[0052] One or more of the plurality of conductive sub-components of the first board-side connector are formed as power transmission terminals, and one or more of the plurality of conductive sub-components are formed as signal transmission terminals.

[0053] When the electrical connector is fitted to the first board-end connector, the power transmission contact portion of the first interface portion is connected to the corresponding contact portion of the power transmission terminal of the first board-end connector to achieve power transmission between the electrical connector and the first board-end connector. The signal transmission contact portion of the first interface portion is connected to the corresponding contact portion of the signal transmission terminal of the first board-end connector to achieve signal transmission between the electrical connector and the first board-end connector.

[0054] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the first elongated conductive elements of the first board-end connector includes a first proximal end adjacent to the plug-in interface, a first distal end opposite to the first proximal end, and one or more bends disposed between the first proximal end and the first distal end, and the pair of first elongated conductive elements includes a first contact portion and a second contact portion adjacent to the first proximal end and protruding toward a second center axis of the board-end connector, and the first contact portion and the second contact portion are exposed in the slot.

[0055] Each of the second elongated conductive elements of the first board-end connector includes: a second distal end flush with the first distal end of the first elongated conductive element; a second proximal end opposite to the second distal end, and one or more bends disposed between the second proximal end and the second distal end. The paired second elongated conductive elements include a third contact portion and a fourth contact portion adjacent to the second proximal end and protruding toward the second center axis of the board-end connector, and the third contact portion and the fourth contact portion are exposed in the slot.

[0056] The first interface portion includes a first interface side surface and a second interface side surface opposite to the first interface side surface in a third direction, each of the power transmission contact portion and the signal transmission contact portion of the first interface portion includes a plurality of conductive pads exposed at the first interface side surface and the second interface side surface, and the plurality of conductive pads include a first row of conductive pads and a second row of conductive pads both arranged along the second direction, the first row of conductive pads and the second row of conductive pads are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, and the second row of conductive pads are closer to the free end of the first interface portion than the first row of conductive pads.

[0057] When the first interface portion of the electrical connector is fitted to the first board end connector, the first contact portion and the second contact portion of each first elongated conductive element engage with the corresponding conductive pads in the first row of conductive pads; the third contact portion and the fourth contact portion of each second elongated conductive element engage with the corresponding conductive pads in the second row of conductive pads.

[0058] In some exemplary embodiments, the first distal end of each first elongated conductive element extends through the mounting end of the second shell and is electrically connected to the corresponding connecting conductive portion in the first circuit board; and the second distal end of each second elongated conductive element extends through the mounting end of the second shell and is electrically connected to the corresponding connecting conductive portion in the first circuit board.

[0059] In some exemplary embodiments, the electronic system may further include: a second circuit board, and a second board connector, the second board connector being configured the same as the first board connector, the second board connector being connected to the second circuit board.

[0060] The electrical connector is fitted to the second board-end connector so that the second interface portion of the electrical connector is inserted into the slot of the second board-end connector to achieve board-to-board interconnection between the first circuit board and the second circuit board.

[0061] The above-mentioned features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present application will become more apparent through the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] The above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present application can be more easily understood by referring to the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In all the drawings, the same or corresponding technical features or components will be represented by the same or corresponding reference numerals. In the drawings, the sizes and relative positions of the components are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0063] In the figure:

[0064] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0065] Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0066] Figure 3 is a front view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0067] Figure 4 is a side view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0068] Figure 5 The electrical connector according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application is Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG.

[0069] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, wherein the first housing is removed.

[0070] Figure 7 is a front view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, wherein the first housing is removed.

[0071] Figure 8 is a side view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, wherein the first housing is removed.

[0072] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an electrical connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, wherein a first housing, a first elastic member, and a second elastic member are removed.

[0073] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a board terminal connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0074] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a board terminal connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, wherein the second housing is removed.

[0075] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a plurality of conductive sub-components of a board connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0076] Fig.13 is a side view of a conductive subassembly of a board connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0077] Fig.14 is a perspective view of an electronic system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0078] Fig.15It is an exploded view of an electronic system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, wherein a first circuit board, a first interface portion of a first electrical connector, a second interface portion, and a plurality of conductive sub-components of a board-end connector are shown.

[0079] Fig.16 1 is a perspective view showing a first interface portion of a first electrical connector of an electronic system and a plurality of conductive sub-components of a board-side connector in an engaged state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0080] Fig.17 is a side view showing a connection device of an electronic system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0081] Fig.18 The connecting device of the electronic system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application is Fig.17 A cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG.

[0082] Fig.19 is a perspective view of an electronic system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0083] Fig. 20 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0084] Fig.21 is a side view of an electronic system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0085] Fig. 22 is an electronic system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present application Fig.21 A cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings by means of exemplary embodiments. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments of the present application are intended to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to easily implement the present application, and the various embodiments of the present application can be implemented in many different forms and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments described in the present application. Accordingly, the following detailed description of the present application is only for illustrative purposes and is by no means a limitation of the present application. In addition, the same figure numbers are used in the various drawings to represent the same components. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only for the purpose of convenience of description and are not to be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or relative order.

[0087] It should also be noted that, for the sake of clarity, not all features of the actual specific implementation are described and shown in the specification and drawings, and in order to avoid unnecessary details obscuring the technical solution that the present application focuses on, only the device structure closely related to the technical solution of the present application is described and shown in the drawings and the specification, while other details that are not closely related to the technical content of the present application and are known to those skilled in the art are omitted.

[0088] Next, an exemplary embodiment of the electrical connector according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For clarity and simplicity of description, a three-dimensional rectangular coordinate system is marked in the figure. Specifically, the electrical connector 1 has a length extending along a first direction Y; a width extending along a second direction X perpendicular to the first direction Y; and a third direction Z perpendicular to both the first direction Y and the second direction X. The first direction Y, the second direction X, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other. The first direction Y also refers to the mating direction of the electrical connector with the corresponding mating connector.

[0089] It should be understood that the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside", "front", "back", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0090] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present application, an electrical connector is provided. Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the electrical connector 1 includes: a first shell 10, the first shell 10 is formed to have a cylindrical shape, the first shell has a first opening portion 101 and a second opening portion 102 opposite to the first opening portion 101 in a first direction Y of the first shell; a first interface portion 20, the first interface portion 20 is at least partially arranged in the first shell 10, the first interface portion 20 includes a first conductive element and extends beyond the first opening portion 101 in the first direction; a first support member 30, the first support member 30 is at least partially received in the first shell 10 and positioned close to the first opening portion 101, the first interface portion 20 is fixedly connected to the first support member 30; a first elastic member 40, the first elastic member 40 is arranged between the outer surface of the first support member 30 and the inner surface of the first shell 10, and the first elastic member 40 is deformable to allow the first support member 30 to be offset relative to the first shell 10 in at least one direction of the second direction X and the third direction Z.

[0091] The electrical connector 1 also includes a second interface portion 50, which is at least partially arranged in the first shell 10, and the second interface portion 50 includes a second conductive element and extends beyond the second opening portion 102 in the first direction Y; and a flexible interconnection portion 80, which is arranged between the first interface portion 20 and the second interface portion 50, and electrically connects the first conductive element of the first interface portion 20 with the second conductive element of the second interface portion 50.

[0092] By providing the deformable first elastic member 40, the first supporting member 30 fixedly connected to the first interface portion 20 is allowed to be moved relative to the first housing 10 in the second direction X (eg Figure 5 There is a certain amount of offset (floating) in at least one of the left and right directions (shown in ) and the third direction Z. That is to say, when the first interface portion 20 of the electrical connector 1 is inserted into the corresponding mating connector that mates with the electrical connector 1, in the case where there is a certain position deviation between the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector, the first elastic member 40 can automatically perform position compensation through elastic deformation, and still ensure the good mechanical connection and electrical connection between the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector. The first elastic member realizes a flexible connection and has a certain position compensation and buffering effect during the connection process, thereby improving the connection accuracy and stability between the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector, and at the same time extending the service life of the electrical connector. Therefore, compared with the conventional male connector and the female connector that require high-precision alignment to achieve interconnection, the electrical connector according to the present application uses a flexible connection method to adapt to more complex installation environments.

[0093] The flexible interconnection part 80 of the present application has good bending performance and flexibility, is not easily damaged, and can better withstand vibration and stress. In addition, the flexible interconnection part can provide compensation for the position deviation between the first interface part 20 and the second interface part 50 in at least one of the first direction Y, the second direction X, and the third direction Z, thereby providing a reliable connection and flexible layout design between the first interface part 20 and the second interface part 50, and providing greater flexibility and reliability for the design and manufacture of the electrical connector.

[0094] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 As shown, the electrical connector 1 also includes a second support member 60, which is at least partially received in the first shell 10 and positioned close to the second opening portion 102, and the second interface portion 50 is fixedly connected to the second support member 60; and a second elastic member 70, which is arranged between the outer surface of the second support member 60 and the inner surface of the first shell 10, and the second elastic member 70 is deformable to allow the second support member 60 to be offset relative to the first shell 10 in at least one of the second direction X and the third direction Z.

[0095] The second elastic member 70 disposed between the outer surface of the second supporting member 60 and the inner surface of the first shell 10 has substantially the same function as the first elastic member 40. The second elastic member 70 allows the second supporting member 60 fixedly connected to the second interface portion 50 to be relatively close to the first shell 10 in the second direction X (eg Figure 5 There is a certain amount of offset (floating) in at least one of the left and right directions (shown in the figure) and the third direction Z. That is to say, when the second interface portion 50 of the electrical connector 1 is inserted into the corresponding mating connector that mates with the electrical connector 1, in the case where there is a certain position deviation between the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector, the second elastic member 70 can automatically compensate for the position through elastic deformation, and still ensure a good mechanical connection and electrical connection between the electrical connector 1 and the mating connector.

[0096] By using both the first elastic member 40 and the second elastic member 70, it is also possible to adjust the first interface portion 20 and the second interface portion 50 in the second direction X (eg Figure 5 By compensating for positional deviations in at least one of the left-right direction (shown in the left and right direction) and the third direction Z, a flexible connection between the first interface portion 20 and the second interface portion 50 of the electrical connector 1 and between the first interface portion 20 and the second interface portion 50 and their respective corresponding connectors can be achieved, thereby improving the connection accuracy and smoothness between the electrical connector 1 and the corresponding mating connector.

[0097] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the first support member 30 is provided with a mounting hole extending through the first support member 30 along the first direction Y, and the second support member 60 is provided with a mounting hole extending through the second support member 60 along the first direction Y.

[0098] In such Figures 3 to 5 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first support member 30 is provided with a first mounting hole 31 and a second mounting hole 33, which are arranged symmetrically about the first center axis AA of the electrical connector. The second support member 60 is provided with a third mounting hole 61 and a fourth mounting hole 63, which are arranged symmetrically about the first center axis AA of the electrical connector. The first mounting hole 31 is aligned with the third mounting hole 61 in the first direction Y of the electrical connector; and the second mounting hole 33 is aligned with the fourth mounting hole 63 in the first direction Y of the electrical connector.

[0099] It should be understood that the first central axis AA is a front view of the electrical connector 1 (eg Figure 3 The central axis of the electrical connector 1 is divided into two halves along the first direction Y as shown in FIG.

[0100] In such Fig. 9 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first support member 30 includes a first body portion 310 received in the first shell 10, the outer peripheral surface of the first body portion is provided with a continuous first annular recess 34, and the first elastic member 40 is received in the first annular recess 34; and the second support member 60 includes a second body portion 610 received in the first shell 10, the outer peripheral surface of the second body portion is provided with a continuous second annular recess 64, and the second elastic member 70 is received in the second annular recess 64.

[0101] Alternatively, each of the first elastic member 40 and the second elastic member 70 is formed as an annular member surrounding the corresponding supporting member, at least a portion of the annular member is received in the corresponding annular recess, and another portion of the annular member extends to protrude to the outside of the corresponding annular recess. Each of the first elastic member 40 and the second elastic member 70 can be elastically deformed relative to the first housing 10 in at least one of the second direction X and the third direction Z.

[0102] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the first support member 30 and the second support member 60 includes an engagement portion engaged with an outer surface of the first housing 10 to restrict movement of the first housing 10 in the first direction Y.

[0103] The first support member 30 is formed as a special-shaped piece, and includes a first inner side surface adjacent to the flexible interconnection portion 80 and a first outer side surface opposite to the first inner side surface in the first direction Y. Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the first supporting member 30 includes a first engaging portion 35 and a second engaging portion 37 , which are provided on two opposite side edges of the first outer side surface in the third direction Z.

[0104] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first housing 10 includes a first housing side surface 105 and a second housing side surface 107 opposite to the first housing side surface 105 in the third direction Z. Figure 3 As shown, a first concave portion 111 and a second concave portion 115 are formed on the first shell side surface 105, and a third concave portion and a fourth concave portion are formed on the second shell side surface 107. The first engaging portion 35 engages with the first concave portion 111 of the first shell side surface; and the second engaging portion 37 engages with the third concave portion of the second shell side surface.

[0105] Alternatively, each of the first engagement portion 35 and the second engagement portion 37 may be formed as a snap-fit ​​portion that engages with a corresponding concave portion.

[0106] In some exemplary embodiments, the second support member 60 may be formed as a special-shaped piece, and the second support member 60 includes a second inner side surface adjacent to the flexible interconnection portion 80 and a second outer side surface opposite to the second inner side surface in the first direction Y. The second support member 60 includes a third engaging portion 65 and a fourth engaging portion 67, which are provided on opposite side edges of the second outer side surface in the third direction Z.

[0107] like Figure 3 As shown, the third engagement portion 65 may engage with the second concave portion 115 of the first housing side surface 105 ; and the fourth engagement portion 67 engages with the fourth concave portion of the second housing side surface 107 .

[0108] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 8 As shown, each of the first engaging portion 35, the second engaging portion 37, the third engaging portion 65 and the fourth engaging portion 67 has a U-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction X, and an opening of the U-shape is disposed toward the flexible interconnection portion 80. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the two opposite side edges of the first shell side surface 105 of the first shell 10 in the first direction Y can be clamped between the first joint portion 35 and the third joint portion 65, and the two opposite side edges of the second shell side surface 107 of the first shell 10 in the first direction Y can be clamped between the second joint portion 37 and the fourth joint portion 67 to limit the movement of the first shell 10 in the first direction Y and the third direction Z.

[0109] In some exemplary embodiments, the first interface portion 20 may be disposed between the first mounting hole 31 and the second mounting hole 33 in the second direction X. The second interface portion 50 is disposed between the third mounting hole 61 and the fourth mounting hole 63 in the second direction X.

[0110] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 5 As shown, the first housing 10 includes a first accommodating portion 140 and a second accommodating portion 141 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the first housing. The first support member 30 is accommodated in the first accommodating portion, and the second support member 60 is accommodated in the second accommodating portion. Each of the first accommodating portion 140 and the second accommodating portion 141 is formed to have a concave shape and is spaced apart from each other in the first direction Y of the electrical connector.

[0111] Optionally, a convex step portion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the first shell 10 between the first accommodating portion 140 and the second accommodating portion 141 , and the convex step portion protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the first shell 10 to separate the first support member 30 from the second support member 60 .

[0112] In some exemplary embodiments, Figures 2 to 7 As shown, each of the first conductive element of the first interface part 20 and the second conductive element of the second interface part 50 is configured as a printed circuit board and includes a first terminal portion 250 provided with one or more power transmission contacts; and a second terminal portion 251 provided with one or more signal transmission contacts. The first terminal portion 250 and the second terminal portion 251 are spaced apart from each other in the second direction X.

[0113] Optionally, at least one of the first elastic member 40 and the second elastic member 70 is formed of a silicone rubber gasket. Optionally, at least one of the first elastic member 40 and the second elastic member 70 can be formed of one of the following materials: silicone rubber, fluororubber, butyl rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene, propylene-based elastomer, etc.

[0114] Optionally, the flexible interconnect 80 can be a cable, such as a flexible flat cable (FFC) or a flexible printed circuit. Optionally, the flexible interconnect 80 can also be a cable including a plurality of wires. In some examples, the flexible interconnect 80 is connected to the first interface portion 20 and the second interface portion 50 by welding. Optionally, the flexible interconnect 80 is connected to the first interface portion 20 and the second interface portion 50 by a hotbar process. For example, the flexible interconnect 80 is connected to the first interface portion 20 and the second interface portion 50 by a pulse heating reflow soldering process.

[0115] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present application, a board-end connector 2 is also provided. Fig.10 As shown, the board connector 2 is configured as a female connector and is configured to be connected to a circuit board. The board connector 2 has a height extending along a first direction Y; a width extending along a second direction X perpendicular to the first direction Y; and a thickness extending along a third direction Z perpendicular to both the first direction Y and the second direction X.

[0116] exist Fig.10 In the illustrated embodiment, the board-end connector 2 may include: a terminal assembly 200, the terminal assembly including a plurality of conductive sub-assemblies and a receiving component for receiving the plurality of conductive sub-assemblies and being formed as an integral piece with the plurality of conductive sub-assemblies; and a second shell 201, the second shell being formed with a plurality of channels for receiving the terminal assembly, the second shell 201 including an installation end 210 to be installed with a circuit board and a mating end 220 opposite to the installation end, the second shell 201 being formed with a slot 213, the insertion interface of the slot being arranged at the mating end of the second shell 201.

[0117] like Figures 11 to 13As shown, a plurality of conductive sub-assemblies may be arranged side by side in a manner spaced apart from each other in the second direction X. Each conductive sub-assembly in the plurality of conductive sub-assemblies may include a pair of first elongated conductive elements 204 facing each other in the third direction Z; and a pair of second elongated conductive elements 206 facing each other in the third direction Z. The dimension of the first elongated conductive element 204 in the first direction Y is greater than the dimension of the second elongated conductive element 206 in the first direction Y, and the proximal end of the first elongated conductive element 204 is formed at the insertion interface of the slot.

[0118] Optionally, each conductive subassembly of the plurality of conductive subassemblies may be identical.

[0119] In this application Fig.12 In the exemplary embodiment shown, four of the plurality of conductive sub-components are formed as power transmission terminals, and the remaining conductive sub-components of the plurality of conductive sub-components are formed as signal transmission terminals.

[0120] It should be understood that the number and arrangement of the power transmission terminals and the signal transmission terminals are not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein, but may be adjusted according to actual conditions.

[0121] In some exemplary embodiments, Fig.10 As shown, the second housing 201 includes a first protrusion 203 and a second protrusion 205 disposed on opposite sides of the second housing 201 in the second direction X, the dimension of each of the first protrusion 203 and the second protrusion 205 in the first direction Y is smaller than the dimension of the first elongated conductive element in the first direction Y, and each of the first protrusion 203 and the second protrusion 205 is formed with an aperture 207. In the case where the board-end connector 2 is connected to the circuit board through the connecting device, the connecting device will extend through the aperture.

[0122] In some exemplary embodiments, Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, each of the first elongated conductive elements 204 may include a first proximal end 231 adjacent to the plug interface, a first distal end 232 opposite to the first proximal end, and one or more bends disposed between the first proximal end and the first distal end. The paired first elongated conductive elements include a first contact portion 234 and a second contact portion 235 adjacent to the first proximal end and protruding toward the second center axis BB of the board-end connector, and the first contact portion and the second contact portion are exposed in the slot 213.

[0123] Each of the second elongated conductive elements 206 may include: a second distal end 262 flush with the first distal end 232 of the first elongated conductive element; a second proximal end 261 opposite to the second distal end, and one or more bends disposed between the second proximal end and the second distal end. The paired second elongated conductive elements 206 include a third contact portion 264 and a fourth contact portion 265 adjacent to the second proximal end 261 and protruding toward the second center axis BB of the board connector, and the third contact portion and the fourth contact portion are exposed in the slot 213.

[0124] It should be understood that the second central axis BB is a side view of the board end connector 2 (eg Fig.13 ) is a central axis that divides the board-end connector 2 into two halves along the first direction Y. It should be understood that the expression "proximal end" used in the description of this application refers to an end adjacent to the mating end of the board-end connector, and the expression "distal end" refers to the other end opposite to the proximal end and away from the mating end of the board-end connector.

[0125] In some exemplary embodiments, the pair of first elongated conductive elements 204 may be mirrored about the second center axis BB of the board header connector 2. The pair of second elongated conductive elements 206 may be mirrored about the second center axis BB of the board header connector.

[0126] In some exemplary embodiments, the distance between the first contact portion 234 of the first elongated conductive element 204 and the third contact portion 264 of the second elongated conductive element 206 in the first direction Y is in the range of 6 mm to 9 mm. The distance between the first contact portion and the third contact portion for transmitting signals is set within the above range to ensure the desired signal integrity performance, thereby avoiding a large product structure caused by an excessively large spacing or a large signal crosstalk caused by an excessively small spacing.

[0127] For example, in some embodiments, the distance between the first contact point 234 and the third contact point 264 in the first direction Y may be in the range of 7 mm to 8.5 mm. Setting the distance between the first contact point 234 and the third contact point 264 in the range of 7 mm to 8.5 mm can balance the signal transmission quality and the product size. Optionally, the distance between the first contact point 234 and the third contact point 264 may be 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, or 8.5 mm.

[0128] In some exemplary embodiments, the first distal end 232 of each first elongated conductive element 204 extends through the mounting end 210 of the second housing 201 and has an L-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction X (eg, Fig.12 and Fig.13The second distal end 262 of each second elongated conductive element 206 extends through the mounting end 210 of the second housing 201 and has a T-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction X (as shown in FIG. Fig.12 and Fig.13 shown).

[0129] It should be understood that the shapes of the first distal end of the first elongated conductive element 204 and the second distal end of the second elongated conductive element 206 are not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein, but may be adjusted according to actual conditions.

[0130] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the second elongated conductive elements 206 includes a twisting portion 263 disposed between the second proximal end 261 and the second distal end 262, and the twisting portion 263 connects the first band-shaped portion and the second band-shaped portion disposed at opposite ends of the twisting portion 263, so that the normal direction of the main surface of the first band-shaped portion and the normal direction of the main surface of the second band-shaped portion form a twist angle in the range of 0 to 90 degrees. The twisting portion 263 reduces the rigidity of the second elongated conductive element, thereby reducing the insertion force and retention force of the board terminal connector 2.

[0131] The twist angle is set within the range of 0 to 90 degrees so that the contact portion (contact surface portion) of the second elongated conductive element 206 located above the twist portion 263 in the first direction Y can form line contact with the connector (e.g., card) to be inserted into the slot as much as possible to ensure transmission quality. This prevents point contact between the contact surface of the contact portion and the corresponding connector (e.g., card) (caused by an excessively large or small twist angle) because point contact may affect transmission quality.

[0132] Optionally, the twisting angle of the twisting portion may be about 45 degrees, about 80 degrees, or about 90 degrees. In some examples, each of the first elongated conductive element 204 and the second elongated conductive element 206 may be provided with a corresponding twisting portion.

[0133] In some exemplary embodiments, Fig.13 As shown, each first elongated conductive element 204 includes a support arm 245 and an elastic arm 247 disposed between the first proximal end 231 and the first distal end 232. The support arm 245 is adjacent to the first distal end 232 and connected to the elastic arm 247, and each of the first contact portion 234 and the second contact portion 235 is disposed on the elastic arm 247. The elastic arm 247 is inclined relative to the support arm 245.

[0134] The elastic arm 247 may include a main elastic arm 126 and a secondary elastic arm 127, both of which extend from the position where the elastic arm 247 is connected to the support arm 245 in a direction away from the support arm 245, and the main elastic arm 126 and the secondary elastic arm 127 are spaced apart from each other, and each of the first contact portion 234 and the second contact portion 235 is arranged on a side of the main elastic arm 126 that is away from the secondary elastic arm 127.

[0135] Optionally, the length of the main elastic arm 126 is greater than the length of the secondary elastic arm 127 .

[0136] In some embodiments, either or both of the first elongated conductive element 204 and the second elongated conductive element 206 may include a primary elastic arm and a secondary elastic arm, which may be shaped to provide a desired insertion force or retention force for the corresponding contact portions of the first elongated conductive element 204 and the second elongated conductive element 206.

[0137] The elastic arm of the first elongated conductive element 204 is designed as two separate parts, namely the main elastic arm 126 and the secondary elastic arm 127. In this way, when the corresponding mating connector (such as a card) is inserted into the slot of the board-end connector, the resistance generated by the contact portion of the first elongated conductive element can be reduced. Therefore, the user can easily perform the insertion. In addition, there is a gap between the main elastic arm 126 and the secondary elastic arm 127, and the end at which the main elastic arm 126 and the secondary elastic arm 127 are connected is relatively fixed, and the free ends of the main elastic arm 126 and the secondary elastic arm 127 are independent of each other. When the contact portion provided on the main elastic arm 126 is matched with the corresponding conductive pad of the mating connector, the main elastic arm 126 and the secondary elastic arm 127 are elastically deformed, which can effectively absorb a certain amount of impact force, thereby extending the service life of the board-end connector 2.

[0138] In addition, the present application provides an electronic system. Fig.14 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the electronic system 100 includes: a first circuit board 3; a first board-end connector 2, the first board-end connector is the board-end connector 2 described above according to the present application, the first board-end connector is connected to the first circuit board through a connecting device 5; and an electrical connector 1, the electrical connector 1 is the electrical connector described above according to the present application, the electrical connector is assembled to the first board-end connector so that the first interface portion 20 of the electrical connector is inserted into the slot 213 of the first board-end connector.

[0139] As described above, the second housing 201 of the first board-end connector 2 includes a first protrusion 203 and a second protrusion 205 disposed on opposite sides of the second housing 201 in the second direction X. The size of each of the first protrusion 203 and the second protrusion 205 in the first direction Y is smaller than the size of the first elongated conductive element 204 in the first direction Y. Each of the first protrusion 203 and the second protrusion 205 is formed with an orifice 207 (such as Fig.10 shown).

[0140] The first support member 30 is provided with mounting holes 31 , 33 extending along the first direction Y through the first support member 30 .

[0141] like Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown, the connecting device 5 may include a locking portion 51 and a guiding portion 52 connected to the locking portion 51, and the guiding portion 52 extends along the first direction Y. The first board connector 2 is fixedly connected to the first circuit board through the locking portion 51. Fig. 20 As shown, the guide portion 52 extends through the aperture of the second housing 201 and extends beyond the mating end 220 of the second housing 201 .

[0142] In a case where the electric connector 1 is fitted to the first board terminal connector 2 , the guide portion 52 is inserted into the mounting hole of the first support member 30 of the electric connector.

[0143] exist Fig.17 and Fig.18 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the locking portion 51 includes a first cylindrical portion 501 connected to the guide portion and a second cylindrical portion 503 having a diameter smaller than that of the first cylindrical portion, and a first stopper 502 is formed at a joint surface of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion. The connecting device 5 includes a second stopper 504 spaced apart from the first stopper in the first direction Y.

[0144] The end portion of the locking portion 51 opposite to the guide portion includes a hollow cavity provided with an internal thread portion, and when the threaded connector 509 is inserted into the hollow cavity and engaged with the internal thread portion, the first circuit board 3 is clamped between the first stop portion 502 and the second stop portion 504. Thus, the first board-end connector 2 can be firmly mounted to the first circuit board 3 through the threaded connector. This threaded connection is not easy to loosen, has good anti-seismic performance, can withstand large tensile and shear forces, and is easy to disassemble, and is convenient for maintenance and repair.

[0145] The guide portion 52 of the connecting device 5 can be formed as a high-strength guide column to guide the insertion of the electrical connector 1, and can support blind insertion of the electrical connector 1, reducing assembly time, reducing assembly errors and installation costs, thereby improving assembly efficiency and enhancing the convenience of assembly.

[0146] In some examples, when the electrical connector 1 is fitted to the first board connector 2 , the guide portion 52 is connected to the mounting holes 31 , 33 of the first support member 30 of the electrical connector in a clearance fit manner.

[0147] In some exemplary embodiments, the first conductive element of the first interface portion 20 includes a first terminal portion 250 having one or more power transmission contact portions; and a second terminal portion 251 having one or more signal transmission contact portions, and the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are spaced apart from each other in the second direction X.

[0148] One or more of the plurality of conductive sub-components of the first board-side connector 2 are formed as power transmission terminals, and one or more of the plurality of conductive sub-components are formed as signal transmission terminals.

[0149] like Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown, when the electrical connector 1 is fitted to the first board-end connector 2, the power transmission contact portion of the first interface portion 20 is connected to the corresponding contact portion of the power transmission terminal of the first board-end connector to achieve power transmission between the electrical connector 1 and the first board-end connector 2. The signal transmission contact portion of the first interface portion 20 is connected to the corresponding contact portion of the signal transmission terminal of the first board-end connector 2 to achieve signal transmission between the electrical connector 1 and the first board-end connector. In this way, a reliable power transmission path and a high-quality signal transmission path can be provided between the electrical connector 1 and the first board-end connector 2, thereby meeting the needs of a wider range of electronic communication systems.

[0150] In some exemplary embodiments, each of the first elongated conductive elements of the first board-end connector 2 includes a first proximal end 231 adjacent to the plug interface, a first distal end 232 opposite to the first proximal end, and one or more bends disposed between the first proximal end and the first distal end. The paired first elongated conductive elements 204 include a first contact portion 234 and a second contact portion 235 adjacent to the first proximal end 231 and protruding toward the second center axis BB of the board-end connector. The first contact portion 234 and the second contact portion 235 are exposed in the slot 213;

[0151] Each of the second elongated conductive elements 206 of the first board-end connector includes: a second distal end 262 flush with the first distal end 232 of the first elongated conductive element; a second proximal end 261 opposite to the second distal end, and one or more bends disposed between the second proximal end and the second distal end. The paired second elongated conductive elements include a third contact portion 264 and a fourth contact portion 265 adjacent to the second proximal end 261 and protruding toward the second center axis BB of the board-end connector, and the third contact portion 264 and the fourth contact portion 265 are exposed in the slot 213.

[0152] The first interface portion 20 includes a first interface side surface and a second interface side surface opposite to the first interface side surface in the third direction Z, and each of the power transmission contact portion and the signal transmission contact portion of the first interface portion 20 includes a plurality of conductive pads exposed at the first interface side surface and the second interface side surface. Fig.15 As shown, the plurality of conductive pads of the first interface portion 20 include a first row of conductive pads 281 and a second row of conductive pads 283, both arranged along the second direction X, and the first row of conductive pads 281 and the second row of conductive pads 283 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction Y. The second row of conductive pads 283 are closer to the free end of the first interface portion 20 than the first row of conductive pads 281.

[0153] It should be understood that the number and arrangement of the conductive pads of each of the power transmission contact portion and the signal transmission contact portion of the first interface portion 20 are not limited to the number and arrangement shown in the drawings, but can be adjusted according to specific circumstances.

[0154] like Fig.16 As shown, when the first interface portion 20 of the electrical connector 1 is fitted to the first board-end connector 2, the first contact portion 234 and the second contact portion 235 of each first elongated conductive element engage with the corresponding conductive pad in the first row of conductive pads 281. The third contact portion 264 and the fourth contact portion 265 of each second elongated conductive element engage with the corresponding conductive pad in the second row of conductive pads 283.

[0155] In some example embodiments, the first distal end 232 of each first elongated conductive element 204 extends through the mounting end 210 of the second housing 201 and is electrically connected to a corresponding connecting conductive portion in the first circuit board 3. The second distal end of each second elongated conductive element 206 extends through the mounting end 210 of the second housing 201 and is electrically connected to a corresponding connecting conductive portion in the first circuit board 3. In some examples, the first board-side connector 2 includes a plurality of retaining members 290 (such as Fig.10 As shown), the retaining member 290 is, for example, a retaining clip.

[0156] exist Figures 19 to 22 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the electronic system 100 may further include: a second circuit board 7 , and a second board connector 8 , the second board connector being constructed similarly to the first board connector 2 and connected to the second circuit board 7 .

[0157] The electrical connector 1 is fitted to the second board connector 8 so that the second interface portion 50 of the electrical connector 1 is inserted into the slot of the second board connector 8 to achieve board-to-board interconnection between the first circuit board 3 and the second circuit board 7 .

[0158] exist Figure 20 to Figure 22 In the illustrated embodiment, when the first interface portion 20 of the electrical connector 1 is inserted into the first board-end connector 2, and the second interface portion 50 of the electrical connector 1 is inserted into the second board-end connector 8, if there is a certain position deviation between the electrical connector 1 and the first board-end connector 2 and / or the second board-end connector 8, the first elastic member 40 and the second elastic member 70 can automatically perform position compensation through elastic deformation, and still ensure that the electrical connector 1 is respectively and mechanically and electrically connected with the first board-end connector 2 and the second board-end connector 8. In other words, the first elastic member 40 and the second elastic member 70 can be offset (floated) relative to the first housing 10 in at least one direction of the second direction X and the third direction Z, and a flexible connection can be achieved and a certain position compensation and buffering effect can be provided during the connection process, thereby improving the connection accuracy and stability between the electrical connector 1 and the two mating board-end connectors, and also extending the service life of the electrical connector 1. Therefore, compared with the conventional male connector and the female connector that require high-precision alignment to achieve interconnection, the electronic system according to the present application uses a flexible connection method that can adapt to a more complex installation environment.

[0159] Although the present application has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments described and shown in detail herein. Various changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope defined by the claims of the present application.

[0160] The features mentioned and / or shown in the above description of the exemplary embodiments of the present application may be combined in the same or similar manner into one or more other embodiments, combined with the features in other embodiments or substituted for the corresponding features in other embodiments. The technical solutions obtained by these combinations or substitutions shall also be deemed to be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, the electrical connector (1) having a length extending along a first direction (Y); a width extending along a second direction (X) perpendicular to the first direction (Y); and a thickness extending along a third direction (Z) perpendicular to both the first direction (Y) and the second direction (X), characterized in that: The electrical connector (1) comprises: a first housing (10) formed to have a cylindrical shape, the first housing having a first opening portion (101) and a second opening portion (102) opposite to the first opening portion (101) in a first direction (Y) of the first housing, A first interface portion (20), the first interface portion (20) is at least partially disposed in the first housing (10), the first interface portion (20) comprises a first conductive element and is disposed in the first housing (10). The first opening (101) extends in a first direction, a first support member (30) at least partially received in the first housing (10) and positioned close to the first opening portion (101), the first interface portion (20) being fixedly connected to the first support member (30); a first elastic member (40), the first elastic member (40) being disposed between the outer surface of the first supporting member (30) and the inner surface of the first shell (10), the first elastic member (40) being deformable to allow the first supporting member (30) to be deformed between the outer surface of the first supporting member (30) and the inner surface of the first shell (10); offset relative to the first housing (10) in at least one of the second direction (X) and the third direction (Z); a second interface portion (50), the second interface portion (50) being at least partially disposed in the first housing (10), the second interface portion (50) comprising a second conductive element and extending beyond the second opening portion (102) in the first direction (Y); and A flexible interconnection part (80) is provided between the first interface part (20) and the second interface part (50) and electrically connects the first conductive element of the first interface part (20) with the second conductive element of the second interface part (50).

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical connector further comprises a second support member (60), the second support member (60) being at least partially received in the first housing (10) and positioned close to the second opening portion (102), the second interface portion (50) being fixedly connected to the second support member (60); as well as A second elastic member (70), wherein the second elastic member (70) is disposed between an outer surface of the second supporting member (60) and an inner surface of the first shell (10), and the second elastic member (70) is deformable to allow the second supporting member (60) to be offset relative to the first shell (10) in at least one of the second direction (X) and the third direction (Z).

3. The electrical connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first support member (30) is provided with a mounting hole extending through the first support member (30) along the first direction (Y), and the second support member (60) is provided with a mounting hole extending through the second support member (60) along the first direction (Y).

4. The electrical connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first supporting member (30) is provided with a first mounting hole (31) and a second mounting hole (33), and the first mounting hole (31) and the second mounting hole (33) are arranged to be symmetrical about a first center axis (AA) of the electrical connector; the second supporting member (60) is provided with a third mounting hole (61) and a fourth mounting hole (63), and the third mounting hole (61) and the fourth mounting hole (63) are arranged to be symmetrical about the first center axis (AA) of the electrical connector, and the first mounting hole (31) is aligned with the third mounting hole (61) in a first direction (Y) of the electrical connector; and the second mounting hole (33) is aligned with the fourth mounting hole (63) in the first direction (Y) of the electrical connector.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first supporting member (30) comprises a first body portion (310) received in the first housing (10), the outer peripheral surface of the first body portion is provided with a continuous first annular recess (34), and the first elastic member (40) is received in the first annular recess (34); as well as The second supporting member (60) includes a second body portion (610) received in the first shell (10), the outer peripheral surface of the second body portion is provided with a continuous second annular recess (64), and the second elastic member (70) is received in the second annular recess (64).

6. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: Each of the first supporting member (30) and the second supporting member (60) includes an engaging portion engaged with an outer surface of the first shell (10) to restrict movement of the first shell (10) in the first direction (Y).

7. The electrical connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first supporting member (30) is formed as a special-shaped member, and the first supporting member (30) includes a first inner surface adjacent to the flexible interconnection portion (80) and a first outer surface opposite to the first inner surface in the first direction (Y). The first supporting member (30) comprises a first engaging portion (35) and a second engaging portion (37), wherein the first engaging portion (35) and the second engaging portion (37) are arranged on two opposite side edges of the first outer side surface in the third direction (Z); The first shell (10) comprises a first shell side surface (105) and a second shell side surface (107) opposite to the first shell side surface (105) in the third direction (Z), the first shell side surface (105) being formed with a first concave portion (111) and a second concave portion (115), and the second shell side surface (107) being formed with a third concave portion and a fourth concave portion; The first engaging portion (35) engages with a first concave portion (111) of the first housing side surface; and the second engaging portion (37) engages with a third concave portion of the second housing side surface.

8. The electrical connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second supporting member (60) is formed as a special-shaped piece, and the second supporting member (60) includes a second inner surface adjacent to the flexible interconnection portion (80) and a second outer surface opposite to the second inner surface in the first direction (Y), The second supporting member (60) includes a third engaging portion (65) and a fourth engaging portion (67), wherein the third engaging portion (65) and the fourth engaging portion (67) are arranged on two opposite side edges of the second outer side surface in the third direction (Z); The third engaging portion (65) engages with the second concave portion (115) of the first housing side surface (105); and the fourth engaging portion (67) engages with the fourth concave portion of the second housing side surface (107).

9. The electrical connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: Each of the first engaging portion (35), the second engaging portion (37), the third engaging portion (65) and the fourth engaging portion (67) has a U-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction (X), and an opening portion of the U-shape is arranged to face the flexible interconnecting portion (80).

10. The electrical connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first interface portion (20) is arranged between the first mounting hole (31) and the second mounting hole (33) in the second direction (X); and the second interface portion (50) is arranged between the third mounting hole (61) and the fourth mounting hole (63) in the second direction (X).

11. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: The first shell includes a first accommodating portion (140) and a second accommodating portion (141) arranged on an inner circumferential surface of the first shell, the first supporting member (30) is accommodated in the first accommodating portion, the second supporting member (60) is accommodated in the second accommodating portion, each of the first accommodating portion (140) and the second accommodating portion (141) is formed to have a concave shape and are spaced apart from each other in the first direction (Y) of the electrical connector.

12. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Each of the first conductive element of the first interface portion (20) and the second conductive element of the second interface portion (50) is configured as a printed circuit board and includes a first terminal portion (250) provided with one or more power transmission contacts; and a second terminal portion (251) provided with one or more signal transmission contact portions, wherein the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion are spaced apart from each other in the second direction (X).

13. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that: At least one of the first elastic member (40) and the second elastic member (70) is formed of a silicone rubber gasket.

14. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The flexible interconnection part (80) comprises a flexible flat cable, and the flexible flat cable is connected to the first interface part (20) and the second interface part (50) by welding.

15. A board-end connector, the board-end connector (2) having a height extending along a first direction (Y); a width extending along a second direction (X) perpendicular to the first direction (Y); and a thickness extending along a third direction (Z) perpendicular to both the first direction (Y) and the second direction (X), the board-end connector (2) comprising: A terminal assembly (200), comprising a plurality of conductive subassemblies and a receiving component for receiving the plurality of conductive subassemblies and formed as an integral piece with the plurality of conductive subassemblies; as well as A second housing (201), wherein the second housing is formed with a plurality of channels for receiving the terminal assembly, the second housing (201) comprises a mounting end (210) to be mounted on a circuit board and a mating end (220) opposite to the mounting end, the second housing (201) is formed with a slot (213), and the insertion interface of the slot (213) is arranged at the mating end of the second housing; The invention is characterized in that the plurality of conductive sub-assemblies are arranged side by side in a manner spaced apart from each other in the second direction (X), and each of the plurality of conductive sub-assemblies comprises a pair of first elongated conductive elements (204) facing each other in the third direction (Z); and a pair of second elongated conductive elements (206) facing each other in the third direction (Z), the size of the first elongated conductive element (204) in the first direction (Y) being larger than the size of the second elongated conductive element (206) in the first direction (Y), and the proximal end of the first elongated conductive element (204) being formed at the insertion interface of the slot.

16. The board connector according to claim 15, characterized in that: Four of the plurality of conductive sub-components are formed as power transmission terminals, and the remaining conductive sub-components of the plurality of conductive sub-components are formed as signal transmission terminals.

17. The board connector according to claim 15, characterized in that: The second shell (201) includes a first protrusion (203) and a second protrusion (205) arranged on opposite sides of the second shell (201) in the second direction (X), the size of each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion in the first direction (Y) being smaller than the size of the first elongated conductive element in the first direction (Y), and each of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is formed with an orifice (207).

18. The board connector according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that: Each of the first elongated conductive elements (204) comprises a first proximal end (231) adjacent to the plug interface, a first distal end (232) opposite to the first proximal end, and one or more bent portions arranged between the first proximal end and the first distal end, and the first elongated conductive elements in a pair comprise a first contact portion (234) and a second contact portion (235) adjacent to the first proximal end and protruding toward a second central axis (BB) of the board-end connector, and the first contact portion and the second contact portion are exposed in the slot (213); Each of the second elongated conductive elements (206) comprises: a second distal end (262) flush with the first distal end (232) of the first elongated conductive element; A second proximal end (261) opposite to the second distal end, and one or more bends arranged between the second proximal end and the second distal end, the paired second elongated conductive elements (206) include a third contact portion (264) and a fourth contact portion (265) adjacent to the second proximal end (261) and protruding toward the second center axis (BB) of the board-end connector, and the third contact portion and the fourth contact portion are exposed in the slot (213).

19. The board connector according to claim 18, characterized in that: The first pair of elongated conductive elements (204) are mirror images about a second center axis (BB) of the board connector; and the second pair of elongated conductive elements (206) are mirror images about a second center axis (BB) of the board connector.

20. The board connector according to claim 19, characterized in that: A distance between the first contact portion (234) of the first elongated conductive element (204) and the third contact portion (264) of the second elongated conductive element (206) is in the range of 6 mm to 9 mm.

21. The board connector according to claim 18, characterized in that: The first distal end (232) of each first elongated conductive element (204) extends through the mounting end (210) of the second housing (201) and has an L-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction (X); And the second distal end (262) of each second elongated conductive element (206) extends through the mounting end (210) of the second housing (201) and has a T-shape in a cross section perpendicular to the second direction (X).

22. The board connector according to claim 18, characterized in that: Each of the second elongated conductive elements (206) includes a twisting portion (263) arranged between the second proximal end (261) and the second distal end (262), the twisting portion connecting the first strip-shaped portion and the second strip-shaped portion arranged at opposite ends of the twisting portion (263) so that the normal direction of the main surface of the first strip-shaped portion and the normal direction of the main surface of the second strip-shaped portion form a twisting angle in the range of 0 to 90 degrees.

23. The board connector according to claim 18, characterized in that: Each first elongated conductive element (204) includes a support arm (245) and an elastic arm (247) arranged between the first proximal end (231) and the first distal end (232), the support arm (245) being adjacent to the first distal end (232) and connected to the elastic arm (247), and each of the first contact portion (234) and the second contact portion (235) being arranged on the elastic arm (247).

24. The board connector according to claim 23, characterized in that: The elastic arm (247) includes a main elastic arm (126) and a secondary elastic arm (127), both of which extend from a position where the elastic arm (247) is connected to the support arm (245) in a direction away from the support arm (245), and the main elastic arm (126) and the secondary elastic arm (127) are spaced apart from each other, and each of the first contact portion (234) and the second contact portion (235) is arranged on a side of the main elastic arm (126) that is opposite to the secondary elastic arm (127).

25. The board connector according to claim 24, characterized in that: The length of the main elastic arm (126) is greater than the length of the secondary elastic arm (127).

26. An electronic system, characterized in that: The electronic system (100) comprises: A first circuit board (3); A first board-end connector (2), the first board-end connector being the board-end connector (2) according to claim 15, the first board-end connector being connected to the first circuit board (3) via a connecting device (5); and An electrical connector (1), wherein the electrical connector is an electrical connector according to claim 1, and wherein the electrical connector is fitted to the first board-end connector so that the first interface portion (20) of the electrical connector is inserted into a slot (213) of the first board-end connector.

27. The electronic system according to claim 26, characterized in that: The second housing (201) of the first board-end connector (2) comprises a first protrusion (203) and a second protrusion (205) arranged on opposite sides of the second housing (201) in the second direction (X), the dimension of each of the first protrusion (203) and the second protrusion (205) in the first direction (Y) being smaller than the dimension of the first elongated conductive element (204) in the first direction (Y), and each of the first protrusion (203) and the second protrusion (205) is formed with an orifice (207), The first supporting member (30) is provided with mounting holes (31, 33) extending through the first supporting member (30) along the first direction (Y). The connecting device (5) comprises a locking portion (51) and a guiding portion (52) connected to the locking portion (51), the guiding portion (52) extending along the first direction (Y), the first board-end connector (2) being fixedly connected to the first circuit board via the locking portion (51), the guiding portion (52) extending through the opening of the second housing (201) and extending beyond the mating end (220) of the second housing (201), When the electrical connector (1) is fitted to the first board-side connector (2), the guide portion (52) is inserted into the mounting hole of the first supporting member (30) of the electrical connector.

28. The electronic system according to claim 27, characterized in that: The locking portion (51) includes a first cylindrical portion (501) connected to the guiding portion and a second cylindrical portion (503) having a diameter smaller than that of the first cylindrical portion, a first stop portion (502) is formed at the joint surface of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion, the connecting device (5) includes a second stop portion (504) spaced apart from the first stop portion in the first direction (Y), and an end portion of the locking portion (51) opposite to the guiding portion includes a hollow cavity provided with an internal thread portion, and when a threaded connector (509) is inserted into the hollow cavity and engaged with the internal thread portion, the first circuit board (3) is clamped between the first stop portion (502) and the second stop portion (504).

29. The electronic system according to claim 28, characterized in that When the electrical connector (1) is fitted to the first board-end connector (2), the guide portion (52) is connected to the mounting holes (31, 33) of the first supporting member (30) of the electrical connector in a clearance-fitting manner.

30. The electronic system according to claim 26, characterized in that The first conductive element of the first interface portion (20) comprises a first terminal portion (250) provided with one or more power transmission contacts; and a second terminal portion (251) provided with one or more signal transmission contacts, the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion being spaced apart from each other in the second direction (X); One or more of the plurality of conductive sub-components of the first board-side connector (2) are formed as power transmission terminals, and another one or more of the plurality of conductive sub-components are formed as signal transmission terminals. When the electrical connector (1) is assembled to the first board-end connector (2), the power transmission contact portion of the first interface portion (20) is connected to the corresponding contact portion of the power transmission terminal of the first board-end connector to realize power transmission between the electrical connector (1) and the first board-end connector (2); the signal transmission contact portion of the first interface portion (20) is connected to the corresponding contact portion of the signal transmission terminal of the first board-end connector (2) to realize signal transmission between the electrical connector (1) and the first board-end connector (2).

31. The electronic system according to claim 30, characterized in that: Each of the first elongated conductive elements of the first board-end connector comprises a first proximal end (231) adjacent to the plug interface, a first distal end (232) opposite to the first proximal end, and one or more bent portions arranged between the first proximal end and the first distal end, and the first elongated conductive elements (204) in a pair comprise a first contact portion (234) and a second contact portion (235) adjacent to the first proximal end (231) and protruding toward a second center axis (BB) of the board-end connector, and the first contact portion and the second contact portion are exposed in the slot (213); Each of the second elongated conductive elements (206) of the first board-end connector comprises: a second distal end (262) flush with the first distal end (232) of the first elongated conductive element; a second proximal end (261) opposite to the second distal end, and one or more bends disposed between the second proximal end and the second distal end, the second elongated conductive elements in a pair comprising a third contact portion (264) and a fourth contact portion (265) adjacent to the second proximal end (261) and protruding toward a second center axis (BB) of the board-end connector, the third contact portion and the fourth contact portion being exposed in the slot (213), The first interface portion (20) comprises a first interface side surface and a second interface side surface opposite to the first interface side surface in the third direction (Z), each of the power transmission contact portion and the signal transmission contact portion of the first interface portion (20) comprises a plurality of conductive pads exposed at the first interface side surface and the second interface side surface, and the plurality of conductive pads comprises a first row of conductive pads (281) and a second row of conductive pads (283) both arranged along the second direction (X), the first row of conductive pads and the second row of conductive pads being spaced apart from each other in the first direction (Y), and the second row of conductive pads (283) being closer to the free end of the first interface portion (20) than the first row of conductive pads (281); When the first interface portion (20) of the electrical connector (1) is fitted to the first board-end connector (2), the first contact portion (234) and the second contact portion (235) of each first elongated conductive element engage with corresponding conductive pads in the first row of conductive pads (281); and the third contact portion (264) and the fourth contact portion (265) of each second elongated conductive element engage with corresponding conductive pads in the second row of conductive pads (283).

32. The electronic system according to claim 31, characterized in that The first distal end (232) of each first elongated conductive element (204) extends through the mounting end (210) of the second shell (201) and is electrically connected to the corresponding connecting conductive portion in the first circuit board (3); and the second distal end of each second elongated conductive element (206) extends through the mounting end (210) of the second shell (201) and is electrically connected to the corresponding connecting conductive portion in the first circuit board (3).

33. The electronic system according to any one of claims 26 to 32, characterized in that The electronic system further comprises: a second circuit board (7), and A second board-end connector (8), the second board-end connector being constructed in the same manner as the first board-end connector (2), the second board-end connector being connected to the second circuit board (7); The electrical connector (1) is fitted to the second board-end connector (8) so that the second interface portion (50) of the electrical connector (1) is inserted into the slot of the second board-end connector (8) to achieve board-to-board interconnection between the first circuit board (3) and the second circuit board (7).