Electrical connector

Abstract

The present application relates to a panel mounted electrical connector with a built-in component, which may include a housing, a plurality of conductive terminals arranged in the housing, and a component. The component is integrated with the housing and is configured to be movable relative to the housing without being disengaged from the housing. The component includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and the first end and the second end are configured to selectively engage with the housing to prevent the component from being disengaged from the housing. The housing may include a first side and a second side opposite to each other in a first direction, and the first end of the component is configured to be accessible from the first side of the housing. The electrical connector also includes a plurality of cables, the first end of each cable being attached to the tail end of the corresponding conductive terminal, and each cable extending from the housing along a first direction at the first side of the housing. The electrical connector according to the present application has characteristics that meet the mechanical requirements of the electronic system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to the field of electrical connectors, and more particularly to an electrical connector and an electronic system including the electrical connector. Background Art

[0002] Electrical connectors are used in many electronic systems. It is often easier and more cost-effective to manufacture electronic systems as separate electronic subassemblies such as printed circuit boards (PCBs) that can be connected together by electrical connectors. Having separable electrical connectors allows components of electronic systems manufactured by different manufacturers to be easily assembled. Separable electrical connectors also allow components to be easily replaced after the system is assembled in order to replace defective components or upgrade the system with higher performance components.

[0003] Electronic systems are assembled from multiple interconnected components. Typically, the components are mounted to a PCB, which provides mechanical support to the components and provides conductive structures that deliver power to the components and provide signal paths between components attached to the PCB.

[0004] PCBs are sometimes connected together using electrical connectors. Electrical connectors provide a separable interface so that the PCBs in an electronic system can be manufactured at different times or in different locations, but can be easily assembled into an electronic system. A known arrangement for connecting several PCBs is to use one PCB as a backplane. Other PCBs, known as "daughter boards" or "daughter cards," can be connected via the backplane.

[0005] Electrical connectors can also be used in other configurations to connect PCBs. Sometimes, one or more smaller PCBs can be directly connected to another larger PCB. In this configuration, the larger PCB can be called a "motherboard" and the PCB connected to it can be called a "daughterboard". For example, in some electronic systems, the daughterboard is installed so that the edge faces the edge of the motherboard. When the daughterboard is orthogonal to the motherboard, the electronic system can be described as having a direct-fit orthogonal configuration, and the direct-fit orthogonal connector is designed to support this configuration. Optionally, the boards can sometimes be arranged in parallel. Connectors for connecting boards in this configuration are often referred to as "stacked connectors" or "sandwich connectors."

[0006] In some cases, the distances apart of components may be longer than can be connected by traces in a PCB. Cables can be used to route signals and / or power between components because cables can be routed through tortuous paths in locations where it is difficult to mount a rigid PCB. Cables can be manufactured to have less signal loss per inch than a PCB. Cables can be terminated with electrical connectors to form cable assemblies. Electrical connectors can be connected to mating electrical connectors, which in turn can be connected to the components to be connected.

[0007] Designing an electrical connector to meet the needs of a specific application presents several challenges. Electrical connectors must have properties that meet the mechanical requirements of the electronic system. Utility Model Content

[0008] In view of this, the present application proposes a new type of electrical connector to meet the requirements of electronic systems.

[0009] In one aspect, the present application provides an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include: a housing; a plurality of conductive terminals disposed in the housing; and a member, the member being integrated with the housing and configured to be movable relative to the housing without being detached from the housing, the member including a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end and the second end being configured to selectively engage with the housing to prevent the member from being detached from the housing.

[0010] In some embodiments, the component is configured to be able to move between a first position and a second position relative to the shell in a first direction without disengaging from the shell, and when the component is in the first position, the first end engages with the shell to prevent the component from disengaging from the shell, and when the component is in the second position, the second end engages with the shell to prevent the component from disengaging from the shell.

[0011] In some embodiments, the shell includes a first part and a first hole extending through the first part along the first direction; the component also includes a main body extending between the first end and the second end, the main body extending through the first hole along the first direction, and the first end and the second end are respectively located on opposite sides of the first part; and the main body is configured to be able to pass through the first hole along the first direction so that the component can move between the first position and the second position, when the component is in the first position, the first end engages with the first part to prevent the first end from passing through the first hole, and when the component is in the second position, the second end engages with the first part to prevent the second end from passing through the first hole.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second end of the member is configured to couple to a structure separate from the electrical connector to secure the housing to the structure.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second end of the member is aligned with the first hole in the first direction, and an outer dimension of at least a portion of the second end perpendicular to the first direction is larger than an opening dimension of the first hole perpendicular to the first direction.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second end of the member includes a threaded section configured for fastening to the structure, and an outer dimension of at least a portion of the threaded section perpendicular to the first direction is larger than the opening dimension of the first hole.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second end of the member includes: a threaded section, which is configured to be fastened to the structure; and a retaining ring arranged between the threaded section and the first part of the shell, the outer dimension of the retaining ring perpendicular to the first direction is larger than the opening dimension of the first hole, and the inner dimension of the retaining ring perpendicular to the first direction is smaller than the outer dimension of the threaded section perpendicular to the first direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first end of the member is aligned with the first hole in the first direction, and an outer dimension of at least a portion of the first end perpendicular to the first direction is larger than an opening dimension of the first hole perpendicular to the first direction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first end of the member is configured to be driven to cause the second end to couple to the structure.

[0018] In some embodiments, the body of the member is in the form of a rod elongated along the first direction.

[0019] In some embodiments, the shell includes a mating interface portion; and each of the conductive terminals includes a mating end, a tail end opposite to the mating end, and an intermediate portion extending between the mating end and the tail end, the mating ends of the multiple conductive terminals are exposed at the mating interface portion and are configured to establish an electrical connection with an electrical component in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0020] In some embodiments, the structure includes a panel, the panel including a panel body and an opening extending through the panel body along the second direction; and the mating interface portion of the shell is configured to be inserted into the opening of the panel along the second direction, and the second end of the member is configured to be connected to the panel when the mating interface portion is inserted into the opening to fix the shell to the panel.

[0021] In some embodiments, the panel body includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other in the second direction, the opening extends from the first side through the panel body to the second side along the second direction, and the panel also includes a platform portion extending from the second side of the panel body along the second direction; and the mating interface portion is configured to be inserted into the opening from the second side of the panel body, and the second end of the member is configured to be connected to the platform portion when the mating interface portion is inserted into the opening to fix the shell to the panel.

[0022] In some embodiments, the shell also includes a second portion extending from the first portion along the first direction and a second hole extending from the first hole through the second portion along the first direction; when the member is in the second position, the second end is located in the second hole, and when the member is in the first position, the second end extends from the second hole; and the second portion of the shell is configured to be placed on the platform portion when the mating interface portion is inserted into the opening.

[0023] In some embodiments, the mating interface portion extends beyond the first portion and the second portion in the second direction, and at least one of the first portion and the second portion is configured to engage with the second side of the panel body when the mating interface portion is inserted into the opening.

[0024] In some embodiments, the platform portion includes a mounting hole, the second portion of the shell is configured to be placed on the platform portion of the panel body when the mating interface portion is inserted into the opening so that the second hole is aligned with the mounting hole, and the second end of the member includes a threaded section, which is configured to be fastened to the mounting hole of the platform portion.

[0025] In some embodiments, the mating interface portion, the first portion, and the second portion are integrally formed.

[0026] In some embodiments, the housing includes an insulating housing including the mating interface portion, the first portion, and the second portion, and the intermediate portions of the plurality of conductive terminals are held by the insulating housing.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first part, the second part and the component together constitute a first mounting mechanism of the shell, and the shell also includes a second mounting mechanism. The first mounting mechanism and the second mounting mechanism have the same structure and are respectively located on opposite sides of the mating interface part in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0028] In some embodiments, the panel includes a recessed portion recessed from the opening into the panel, and the mating interface portion includes a locating key configured to mate with the recessed portion so that the mating interface portion is inserted into the opening in a unique orientation.

[0029] In some embodiments, the shell includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other in the first direction, and the first end of the member is configured to be accessible from the first side of the shell; and the electrical connector also includes a plurality of cables, a first end of each of the cables being attached to the tail end of a corresponding conductive terminal among the plurality of conductive terminals, and each of the cables extending from the shell along the first direction at the first side of the shell.

[0030] On the other hand, the present application proposes an electrical connector. The electrical connector may include: an insulating housing configured to be mounted to a panel and including a mating interface portion configured to be inserted into an opening of the panel; a plurality of conductive terminals, each of which includes a mating end, a tail end opposite to the mating end, and an intermediate portion extending between the mating end and the tail end, the intermediate portion being retained in the insulating housing, the mating end being exposed at the mating interface portion, and the tail end extending from the insulating housing; and a plurality of cables, each of which has a first end attached to the tail end of a corresponding conductive terminal among the plurality of conductive terminals.

[0031] In some embodiments, the electrical connector further comprises an insulating first retaining member, which is fixed to the insulating housing and covers the connecting portions between the first ends of the plurality of cables and the tail ends of the plurality of conductive terminals.

[0032] In some embodiments, the electrical connector also includes an insulating second retaining member, which is configured to be mounted to the insulating shell to retain the middle portions of the multiple conductive terminals in the insulating shell; the tail ends of the multiple conductive terminals are disposed on the second retaining member; and the first retaining member also encloses at least a portion of the second retaining member therein to fix the second retaining member to the insulating shell.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first retaining member is an over-mold member molded onto the insulative housing.

[0034] In some embodiments, the insulating shell includes a plurality of recesses recessed into the insulating shell from an outer surface of the insulating shell; and the first retaining member is molded onto the insulating shell and fills the plurality of recesses so that the first retaining member is fixed to the insulating shell.

[0035] In some embodiments, the insulating shell further includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other in a first direction, and the mating interface portion extends along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the mating ends of the plurality of conductive terminals are configured to establish an electrical connection with an electrical component in the second direction; and the plurality of cables extend from the insulating shell along the first direction at the first side of the insulating shell.

[0036] In some embodiments, for each of the conductive terminals, the tail end extends along the second direction; for the multiple cables, the first end of each of the cables extends along the second direction and is attached to the tail end of the corresponding conductive terminal, each of the cables also includes a straight section extending along the first direction and a curved section connecting the straight section and the first end, the straight section extending from the insulating shell along the first direction at the first side of the insulating shell; and the electrical connector also includes an insulating first retaining member, the first retaining member is fixed to the insulating shell, and the first retaining member encloses the connecting parts of the first ends of the multiple cables and the tail ends of the multiple conductive terminals and the curved section.

[0037] In some embodiments, the electrical connector also includes a component, which is integrated with the insulating shell and is configured to be able to move relative to the insulating shell in the first direction without detaching from the insulating shell, the component includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end and the second end are configured to selectively engage with the insulating shell to prevent the component from detaching from the insulating shell; and the second end is configured to be connected to the panel when the mating interface portion is inserted into the opening of the panel to fix the insulating shell to the panel, and the first end is configured to be able to be driven from the first side of the insulating shell so that the second end is connected to the panel.

[0038] In some embodiments, the insulating shell includes a first part and a first hole extending through the first part along the first direction; the component also includes a main body extending between the first end and the second end, the main body extending through the first hole along the first direction, and the first end and the second end are respectively located on opposite sides of the first part; and the main body is configured to be able to pass through the first hole along the first direction so that the component can move between a first position and a second position relative to the first part in the first direction, when the component is in the first position, the first end engages with the first part to prevent the first end from passing through the first hole, and when the component is in the second position, the second end engages with the first part to prevent the second end from passing through the first hole.

[0039] In some embodiments, the panel includes a panel body having a first side and a second side opposite to each other in the second direction, the opening extends from the first side through the panel body to the second side along the second direction, and the panel also includes a platform portion extending from the second side of the panel body along the second direction; and the mating interface portion is configured to be inserted into the opening from the second side of the panel body, and the second end of the member is configured to be connected to the platform portion when the mating interface portion is inserted into the opening to fix the insulating shell to the panel.

[0040] In some embodiments, the insulating shell also includes a second portion extending from the first portion along the first direction and a second hole extending from the first hole through the second portion along the first direction; when the component is in the second position, the second end is located in the second hole, and when the component is in the first position, the second end extends from the second hole; and the second portion of the insulating shell is configured to be placed on the platform portion when the mating interface portion is inserted into the opening.

[0041] In some embodiments, the mating interface portion extends beyond the first portion and the second portion in the second direction, and when the mating interface portion is inserted into the opening, at least one of the first portion and the second portion engages with the second side of the panel body.

[0042] In some embodiments, the platform portion includes a mounting hole, the second portion of the shell is configured to be placed on the platform portion of the panel body when the mating interface portion is inserted into the opening so that the second hole is aligned with the mounting hole, and the second end of the member includes a threaded section, which is configured to be fastened to the mounting hole of the platform portion.

[0043] In some embodiments, the mating interface portion is configured to match in shape with the opening of the panel such that the mating interface portion is inserted into the opening in a unique orientation.

[0044] In some embodiments, the panel includes a recessed portion recessed from the opening into the panel, and the mating interface portion includes a locating key configured to mate with the recessed portion so that the mating interface portion is inserted into the opening in the unique orientation.

[0045] On the other hand, the present application proposes an electronic system. The electronic system may include: a panel, the panel including a panel body and an opening extending through the panel body along a first direction; and an electrical connector, the electrical connector is mounted to the panel and includes: an insulating housing, the insulating housing including a mating interface portion, the mating interface portion being inserted into the opening of the panel along the first direction; a plurality of conductive terminals arranged in the insulating housing, each of the conductive terminals including a mating end, a tail end opposite to the mating end, and an intermediate portion extending between the mating end and the tail end, the mating ends of the plurality of conductive terminals being exposed at the mating interface portion; and a member, the member being integrated with the insulating housing and coupled to the panel in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to fix the insulating housing to the panel.

[0046] In some embodiments, the panel body includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other in the first direction, the opening extends from the first side through the panel body to the second side along the first direction, and the panel also includes a platform portion extending from the second side of the panel body along the first direction; the insulating shell includes a mounting portion, which is placed on the platform portion of the panel; and the component is integrated in the mounting portion of the insulating shell and is connected to the platform portion of the panel to fix the mounting portion on the platform portion.

[0047] In some embodiments, the mounting portion includes a first portion and a first hole extending through the first portion along the second direction; the component includes a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a main body extending between the first end and the second end, the main body extending through the first hole along the second direction, and the first end and the second end are respectively located on opposite sides of the first portion; and the first end is engaged with the first portion, and the second end is connected to the platform portion to fix the mounting portion on the platform portion.

[0048] In some embodiments, the second end of the member is aligned with the first hole in the second direction, and an outer dimension of at least a portion of the second end perpendicular to the second direction is larger than an opening dimension of the first hole perpendicular to the second direction.

[0049] In some embodiments, the second end of the member includes a threaded section, the threaded section is fastened into the mounting hole of the platform portion, and an outer dimension of at least a portion of the threaded section perpendicular to the second direction is larger than the opening dimension of the first hole.

[0050] In some embodiments, the second end of the component includes a threaded segment and a retaining ring arranged between the threaded segment and the first portion of the insulating shell, the threaded segment is configured to be fastened to the mounting hole of the platform portion, the outer dimension of the retaining ring perpendicular to the second direction is larger than the opening dimension of the first hole, and the inner dimension of the retaining ring perpendicular to the second direction is smaller than the outer dimension of the threaded segment perpendicular to the second direction.

[0051] In some embodiments, the mounting portion also includes a second portion extending from the first portion along the second direction and a second hole extending from the first hole along the second direction through the second portion, the second portion being placed on the platform portion of the panel; the main body of the component extends through the second hole along the second direction, the second end of the component extends from the second portion in the second direction and is aligned with the second hole; and an opening dimension of the second hole perpendicular to the second direction is larger than an outer dimension of the second end perpendicular to the second direction.

[0052] In some embodiments, the mating interface portion extends beyond the mounting portion in the first direction, and at least one of the first portion and the second portion engages the second side of the panel body.

[0053] In some embodiments, the insulating shell includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other in the second direction, and the first end of the member is configured to be driven from the first side of the insulating shell so as to cause the second end to be disconnected from the panel; and the electrical connector also includes a plurality of cables, a first end of each of the cables being attached to a tail end of a corresponding conductive terminal among the plurality of conductive terminals, and each of the cables extending from the insulating shell along the second direction at the first side of the insulating shell.

[0054] In some embodiments, for each of the conductive terminals, the tail end extends along the first direction; for the multiple cables, the first end of each of the cables extends along the first direction and is attached to the tail end of the corresponding conductive terminal, each of the cables also includes a straight section and a curved section connecting the straight section and the first end, the straight section extends from the insulating shell along the second direction at the first side of the insulating shell; and the electrical connector also includes an insulating first retaining member, the first retaining member is fixed to the insulating shell, and the first retaining member encloses the connecting parts of the first ends of the multiple cables and the tail ends of the multiple conductive terminals and the curved section.

[0055] These techniques may be used alone or in any suitable combination.The foregoing summary is provided by way of illustration and is not meant to be limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] The above and other aspects of the present application will be more thoroughly understood and appreciated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic only and are not drawn to scale. In different drawings, the same components are represented by the same reference numerals. In addition, for the sake of brevity, not all components or parts of the electrical connectors, circuit boards, panels, and electronic systems according to the present application are shown or labeled in the drawings. It should be understood that the size, proportional relationship, and number of components of the components or parts in the drawings are not intended to limit the present application. In the drawings:

[0057] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an electronic system including an electrical connector, an electrical component and a panel according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Another perspective view of the electronic system of

[0059] Figure 1C is with Figure 1B a similar perspective view, but with the electrical components removed to illustrate the mating interface of the electrical connector;

[0060] Figure 1D yes Figure 1A A partially exploded view of the electronic system;

[0061] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A a perspective view of an electrical connector of wherein a cable and a first retaining member of the electrical connector are removed and a member of the electrical connector is in a first position;

[0062] Figure 2B It is along Figure 2A A cross-sectional view taken along line 2B-2B;

[0063] Figure 2C is with Figure 2A a similar perspective view, but with the member of the electrical connector in a second position;

[0064] Figure 2D It is along Figure 2C A cross-sectional view along line 2D-2D;

[0065] Figure 3 yes Figure 2A A partially exploded view of an electrical connector;

[0066] Figure 4A It is along Figure 2C A cross-sectional view taken along line 4A-4A;

[0067] Figure 4B It is along Figure 2C A cross-sectional view taken along line 4B-4B;

[0068] Figure 5A is with Figure 2C a similar perspective view, but showing the cables of the electrical connector attached to the conductive terminals;

[0069] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A Another perspective view of the electrical connector;

[0070] Fig. 6A yes Figure 1D A perspective view of a top row of conductive terminals of an electrical connector;

[0071] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A Another perspective view of the top row of conductive terminals;

[0072] Fig. 7A It is schematically shown Figure 1A A front view of a configuration in which a cable of an electrical connector is connected to another electrical connector;

[0073] Figure 7B It is schematically shown Fig. 7A a top view of the configuration shown;

[0074] Figure 8 Schematically shows Figure 1A An exemplary application of the electronic system shown;

[0075] Fig. 9 is a partially exploded view of an electrical connector according to another embodiment of the present application, wherein a cable and a first retaining member of the electrical connector are removed;

[0076] Fig. 10A yes Fig. 9 A perspective view of an electrical connector, wherein a component of the electrical connector is in a first position;

[0077] Fig. 10B It is along Fig. 10A A cross-sectional view taken along line 10B-10B;

[0078] Fig. 10C is with Fig. 10A a similar perspective view, but with the electrical connector member in a second position; and

[0079] Fig. 10D It is along Fig. 10C A cross-sectional view along line 10D-10D. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0080] Electrical connectors are used in many electronic systems. The electrical connectors must have characteristics that meet the mechanical requirements of the electronic system. As an example, when the electrical connector is installed in the electronic system, the electrical connector must be reliably arranged in the electronic system. As another example, when there is a limitation on the space for deploying the electrical connector in the electronic system, the size of the electrical connector must meet such space limitation. As yet another example, the electrical connector needs to support installation into and removal from the electronic system through simple operation.

[0081] The inventors have recognized and appreciated the design technology of such an electrical connector, which has characteristics that meet the mechanical requirements of an electronic system. The electrical connector can be a compact integrated electrical connector. The electrical connector can be reliably arranged in an electronic system. The electrical connector can meet such space limitations when there are limitations on the space for deploying the electrical connector in the electronic system, and can support installation into and removal from the electronic system through simple operations.

[0082] The electrical connector may include a housing, a plurality of conductive terminals disposed in the housing, and a member. The member is integrated with the housing and configured to be movable relative to the housing without being disengaged from the housing. The member includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the first end and the second end are configured to selectively engage with the housing to prevent the member from being disengaged from the housing.

[0083] This configuration can facilitate the deployment of the electrical connector into an electronic system (e.g., mounted to a panel). When the electrical connector is deployed into an electronic system, since the component is integrated with the insulating housing, the component can be deployed into the electronic system together with the insulating housing. This improves the assembly efficiency of the electronic system. In addition, this configuration can improve the reliability of the electrical connector. For example, in the case where the component is configured to fix the insulating housing to the panel, if the component is loosened from the panel, the component will not detach from the insulating housing. This can avoid losing the component, or avoid the detached component from causing damage to other parts of the electronic system. In addition, this configuration can facilitate the removal of the electrical connector from the electronic system (e.g., removed from the panel), for example, for repair or replacement. When the electrical connector is removed from the electronic system, since the component is integrated with the insulating housing, the component can be removed from the electronic system together with the insulating housing.

[0084] The member can be configured to fix the insulating housing to the electronic system (e.g., to the panel). In this case, the parts of the electrical connector can be easily and conveniently installed in the electronic system without using any additional external parts (e.g., additional fasteners). For example, the panel can be arranged on an L-type bracket. The L-type bracket can be part of the housing of a server or a switch, and the panel can be arranged in or on the housing. Only a limited space is left between the L-type bracket and the panel for deploying the electrical connector. The electrical connector according to the present application can be easily and reliably installed to such a panel.

[0085] The housing of the electrical connector may include a first side and a second side opposite to each other in a first direction. Each conductive terminal includes a mating end, a tail end opposite to the mating end, and an intermediate portion extending between the mating end and the tail end. The mating ends of a plurality of conductive terminals are exposed at the mating interface portion of the housing and are configured to establish an electrical connection with an electrical component in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The electrical connector may also include a plurality of cables. The first end of each cable is attached to the tail end of a corresponding conductive terminal in a plurality of conductive terminals. A plurality of cables all extend from the housing along the first direction at the first side of the housing. By this configuration, the size of the electrical connector in the second direction can be minimized to facilitate the use of the electrical connector in a space-constrained environment.

[0086] The first end of the member can be configured to be driven from the first side of the insulating housing (e.g., by a tool or by hand) to cause the second end to be coupled to the panel. In addition, when the second end of the member is coupled to the panel, the first end of the member can be driven from the first side of the insulating housing to cause the second end to be decoupled from the panel.

[0087] Because the multiple cables of the electrical connector all extend from the insulating housing at the first side of the insulating housing, and the first end of the component is configured to be driven from the first side of the insulating housing, the electrical connector can be used in an environment with limited deployment space to be easily installed to and removed from the panel.

[0088] The electrical connector may include an insulating first retaining member, which is fixed to the insulating housing, and the first retaining member covers the connected portion of the first ends of the plurality of cables and the tail ends of the plurality of conductive terminals. In this way, reliable protection can be provided for the connection between the first ends of the cables and the tail ends of the corresponding conductive terminals during installation and removal of the electrical connector. The first retaining member can improve the compactness and reliability of the electrical connector.

[0089] As an example, the electrical connector may be a panel mounted electrical connector with built-in bolts or screws. The electrical connector may be easily and reliably mounted to a panel in a space constrained environment.

[0090] Some embodiments of the present application are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these embodiments are not intended to limit the present application in any way. In addition, the features in the embodiments of the present application may be combined with each other in the absence of conflict.

[0091] Figures 1A to 1D An electronic system 1 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. The electronic system 1 may include an electrical component 3, a panel 10 and an electrical connector 20. FIG. 2A to FIG. 7B An exemplary configuration of the electrical connector 20 is shown in detail, and Figure 8 An exemplary application of the electrical connector 20 is shown.

[0092] For the sake of clarity and simplicity, Figures 1A to 8 20 , a transverse direction XX, a longitudinal direction YY, and a vertical direction ZZ are defined. The transverse direction XX, the longitudinal direction YY, and the vertical direction ZZ are perpendicular to each other. The transverse direction XX generally refers to the width direction of the electrical connector 20. The longitudinal direction YY generally refers to the length direction of the electrical connector 20. The vertical direction ZZ generally refers to the height direction of the electrical connector 20.

[0093] Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1DAn exemplary type of electrical component 3 is shown. As shown, the electrical component 3 may be a circuit board (also referred to as a "printed circuit board (PCB)"). The circuit board may include a first surface 3a and a second surface 3b opposite to each other, an edge portion 3c, and a plurality of conductive areas 3d arranged on the first surface 3a and the second surface 3b at the edge portion 3c. The conductive areas may be conductive pads. The circuit board may be any suitable type of circuit board, and any suitable type of electronic components may be mounted on the circuit board. It should be understood that only a portion of the circuit board, not all of it, is shown in the figure.

[0094] like Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the electrical connector 20 can be configured to be mounted to the panel 10, and is configured to establish an electrical connection between the electrical component 3 and another electrical component (not shown). The electrical connector 20 can be configured to transmit signals and / or power between the electrical component 3 and another electrical component. The other electrical component can be, for example, another circuit board or another electrical connector. Exemplarily, the electrical component 3 can be an add-in card such as a solid-state drive (SSD), a network interface card (NIC), a graphics processing unit (GPU). The other electrical component can be another circuit board such as a server motherboard or a switch motherboard, or can be another electrical connector, which can be mounted on another circuit board or can be connected to a mating electrical connector mounted on another circuit board.

[0095] The panel 10 is a structure separate from the electrical connector 20. That is, the panel 10 is a structure different from the electrical connector 20. The panel 10 may be, for example, any suitable type of panel, such as a server panel, a switch panel, and the like.

[0096] like Figure 1D As shown, the panel 10 may include a panel body 11 and an opening 12 extending through the panel body 11 along a transverse direction XX. The panel body 11 may have a first side 11a and a second side 11b opposite to each other in the transverse direction XX, and the opening 12 extends from the first side 11a through the panel body 11 to the second side 11b along the transverse direction XX. The panel 10 may also include a tab or platform portion 13 extending from the second side 11b of the panel body 11 along the transverse direction XX. Exemplarily, the panel 10 may include two platform portions 13. Each platform portion 13 has a mounting hole 13a extending along a vertical direction ZZ. The mounting hole 13a may be, for example, a threaded hole. It should be understood that the number, structure and arrangement of the platform portions 13 are not limited thereto.

[0097] The electrical connector 20 may be configured to provide a mating interface at the opening 12 of the panel 10 to establish an electrical connection with the electrical component 3. This electrical connection may be a detachable electrical connection. Exemplarily, as will be described in detail below, the electrical component 3 in the form of a circuit board may be inserted into the electrical connector 20, and the mating ends of the conductive terminals of the electrical connector 20 may be in electrical contact with the corresponding conductive areas 3d of the electrical component 3, so that the electrical connector 20 establishes an electrical connection with the electrical component 3.

[0098] like Figure 3 As best shown, the electrical connector 20 may include an insulating housing 100 , a plurality of conductive terminals (or may be referred to as “conductive elements”) 200 disposed in the insulating housing 100 , and a member 300 configured to be integrated with the insulating housing 100 .

[0099] The insulating housing 100 may be made of an insulating material. Examples of insulating materials suitable for manufacturing the insulating housing 100 include, but are not limited to, plastic, nylon, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high temperature nylon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO), or polypropylene (PP). Each conductive terminal 200 may be formed of a conductive material. The conductive material suitable for manufacturing the conductive terminal 200 may be a metal or a metal alloy, such as copper or a copper alloy.

[0100] A plurality of conductive terminals 200 can be arranged as a top row 200A and a bottom row 200B in the insulating housing 100. The top row 200A and the bottom row 200B can have the same configuration. The conductive terminals 200 in the top row 200A and the bottom row 200B can have the same structure. Exemplarily, each row in the top row 200A and the bottom row 200B includes three conductive terminals 200. It should be understood that the number, structure and arrangement of the conductive terminals 200 are not limited thereto. A plurality of conductive terminals 200 can include signal terminals, power terminals or a combination thereof.

[0101] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B Three conductive terminals 200 in the top row 200A are shown. Each conductive terminal 200 may include a mating end 201, a tail end 202 opposite to the mating end 201, and an intermediate portion 203 extending between the mating end 201 and the tail end 202. The mating end 201 of the conductive terminal 200 may have a mating contact portion 201a. Figure 3 and Figure 4A As best shown, the conductive terminals 200 of the top row 200A can be arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction YY and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction YY. The mating ends 201 of the conductive terminals 200 can be oriented along a transverse direction XX perpendicular to the longitudinal direction YY for establishing electrical connection with the electrical component 3 in the transverse direction XX.

[0102] like Figures 2A to 3 As shown, the member 300 may be integrated with the insulating housing 100 and configured to be movable relative to the insulating housing 100 without being detached from the insulating housing 100. The member 300 may include a first end 310 and a second end 320 opposite to the first end 310. The first end 310 and the second end 320 may be spaced apart from each other. The first end 310 and the second end 320 may be configured to selectively engage with the insulating housing 100 to prevent the member 300 from being detached from the insulating housing 100. That is, the member 300 may be tethered by the insulating housing 100 and be movable relative to the insulating housing 100. The member 300 may be referred to as a built-in member.

[0103] This configuration can facilitate the deployment of the electrical connector 20 into the electronic system 1 (e.g., mounted to the panel 10). When the electrical connector 20 is deployed into the electronic system 1, since the component 300 is integrated with the insulating housing 100, the component 300 can be deployed into the electronic system 1 together with the insulating housing 100. In addition, this configuration can improve the reliability of the electrical connector 20. For example, as will be described below, in the case where the component 300 is configured to fix the insulating housing 100 to the panel 10, if the component 300 is loosened from the panel 10, the component 300 will not be detached from the insulating housing 100. This can avoid losing the component 300, or avoid the detached component 300 from causing damage to other components of the electronic system 1. In addition, this configuration can facilitate the removal of the electrical connector 20 from the electronic system 1 (e.g., removed from the panel 10), for example, for repair or replacement. When the electrical connector 20 is removed from the electronic system 1 , since the component 300 is integrated with the insulating housing 100 , the component 300 can be removed from the electronic system 1 together with the insulating housing 100 .

[0104] The following will describe an exemplary configuration of the member 300 and the insulating housing 100 in conjunction with an example in which the member 300 is configured to fix the insulating housing 100 to the panel 10. It should be understood that the member 300 can be configured to achieve other functions. For example, the member 300 can be configured to lock the electrical component 3 to the insulating housing 100, to couple and / or fix the insulating housing 100 to any other suitable structure or component other than the panel 10, etc. In other words, the member 300 can be a member integrated with the insulating housing 100 to achieve any specific function.

[0105] The component 300 may be configured to be able to move relative to the insulating housing 100 in the vertical direction ZZ. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The first position shown is similar to Figure 2C and Figure 2DThe second position shown in FIG. 1 is movable between the insulating housing 100 and the insulating housing 100 without being separated from the insulating housing 100. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, when the member 300 is in the first position, the first end 310 can engage with the insulating housing 100 to prevent the member 300 from being separated from the insulating housing 100. Figure 2C and Figure 2D As shown, when the member 300 is in the second position, the second end 320 can engage with the insulating housing 100 to prevent the member 300 from being separated from the insulating housing 100. Through this configuration, the first end 310 and the second end 320 can limit the movement range of the insulating housing 100 relative to the member 300 in the vertical direction ZZ.

[0106] like Figure 3 As shown, the insulating housing 100 may include a mating interface portion 101, a first mounting portion 110 and a second mounting portion 120 extending from the mating interface portion 101 along the longitudinal direction YY, respectively. The first mounting portion 110 and the second mounting portion 120 are respectively located on opposite sides of the mating interface portion 101 in the longitudinal direction YY. The mating interface portion 101 may extend beyond the first mounting portion 110 and the second mounting portion 120 in the transverse direction XX. The first mounting portion 110 and the second mounting portion 120 may be formed integrally with the mating interface portion 101, or may be formed separately from the mating interface portion 101 and connected to the mating interface portion 101.

[0107] The mating interface portion 101 of the insulating housing 100 may be configured to be inserted into the opening 12 of the panel 10 along the lateral direction XX. The mating ends 201 of the plurality of conductive terminals 200 may be exposed at the mating interface portion 101 and configured to establish electrical connection with the electrical component 3 in the lateral direction XX. Figure 1C , Figure 4A and Figure 5AAs shown, the electrical connector 20 can be configured as a socket connector. The mating interface portion 101 can include a slot 101b that is recessed into the mating interface portion 101 from the front surface 101a of the mating interface portion 101. The slot 101b can be configured to receive the edge portion 3c of the electrical component 3. Specifically, the mating ends 201 of the conductive terminals 200 of the top row 200A and the mating ends 201 of the conductive terminals 200 of the bottom row 200B can be opposite to each other and spaced apart from each other across the slot 101b in the vertical direction ZZ. The mating contact portions 201a of the mating ends 201 of the conductive terminals 200 of the top row 200A and the mating contact portions 201a of the mating ends 201 of the conductive terminals 200 of the bottom row 200B can be opposite to each other and bent into the slot 101b, respectively. When the edge portion 3c of the electrical component 3 is inserted into the slot 101b, the mating contact portion 201a of the mating end 201 of the conductive terminal 200 of the top row 200A can be pressed against the conductive area 3d on the first surface 3a of the electrical component 3 to establish electrical contact, and the mating contact portion 201a of the mating end 201 of the conductive terminal 200 of the bottom row 200B can be pressed against the conductive area 3d on the second surface 3b of the electrical component 3 to establish electrical contact. In this way, the electrical connector 20 can establish an electrical connection with the electrical component 3.

[0108] The component 300 may be integrated into the first mounting portion 110. Figure 2B and Figure 2D As shown, the first mounting portion 110 may include a first portion 111 and a first hole 112 extending through the first portion 111 along the vertical direction ZZ. The member 300 also includes a body 330 extending between a first end 310 and a second end 320. The body 330 of the member 300 extends through the first hole 112 along the vertical direction ZZ, and the first end 310 and the second end 320 are respectively located on opposite sides of the first portion 111. Exemplarily, the body 330 of the member 300 may be in the form of a column extending along the vertical direction ZZ.

[0109] The body 330 of the component 300 may be configured to pass through the first hole 112 along the vertical direction ZZ, so that the component 300 can be placed in a position such as Figure 2A and Figure 2B The first position shown is similar to Figure 2C and Figure 2D112. The first hole 112 is configured to move between the main body 330 of the component 300 and the second position shown. When the component 300 is in the first position, the first end 310 is engaged with the first part 111 to prevent the first end 310 from passing through the first hole 112. When the component 300 is in the second position, the second end 320 is engaged with the first part 111 to prevent the second end 320 from passing through the first hole 112. Through this configuration, the first end 310 and the second end 320 can limit the movement of the insulating housing 100 relative to the component 300 in the vertical direction ZZ. In addition, the first hole 112 can limit the movement of the main body 330 of the component 300 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ. Therefore, when the component 300 is fixed, the component 300 can limit the movement of the insulating housing 100 relative to the component 300 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ.

[0110] like Figures 1A to 1C , Figure 2B , Figure 2D and Figure 3 As shown, the second end 320 of the member 300 can be configured to be coupled to the panel 10 when the mating interface portion 101 of the insulating housing 100 is inserted into the opening 12 to fix the insulating housing 100 to the panel 10. The second end 320 of the member 300 can be coupled to the platform portion 13 to fix the insulating housing 100 to the panel 10. Figures 1A to 1C As best shown, when the mating interface portion 101 of the insulating housing 100 is inserted into the opening 12 and the second end 320 of the member 300 is coupled to the platform portion 13 of the panel 10, the member 300 is in a position as shown in FIG. Figure 2A and Figure 2B In this case, the first end portion 310 of the member 300 and the platform portion 13 of the panel 10 sandwich the first mounting portion 110 of the insulating housing 100 to limit the movement of the insulating housing 100 relative to the panel 10. In this way, the insulating housing 100 is fixed to the panel 10 by the member 300.

[0111] The mating interface portion 101 of the insulating housing 100 can be configured to match the opening 12 of the panel 10 in shape so that the mating interface portion 101 can be inserted into the opening 12 in a unique orientation. Figure 1B and Figure 1D As shown, the panel 10 may include a notch portion 12a recessed from the opening 12 into the panel 10, and the mating interface portion 101 may include a positioning key 101c. The positioning key 101c may be configured to mate with the notch portion 12a so that the mating interface portion 101 is inserted into the opening 12 in a unique orientation.

[0112] In some embodiments, Figure 2B and Figure 2DAs shown, the second end 320 of the member 300 can be aligned with the first hole 112 in the vertical direction ZZ. For example, the center line of the second end 320 can be aligned with the center line of the first hole 112. The outer dimension of at least a portion of the second end 320 perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ is greater than the opening dimension of the first hole 112 perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ. With this configuration, when the member 300 is in a position such as Figure 2D In the second position shown, the at least a portion of the second end portion 320 is engaged with the first portion 111 of the insulating housing 100 to prevent the second end portion 320 from passing through the first hole 112. Exemplarily, the first hole 112 is shown as a circular hole, so the opening size of the first hole 112 perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ can be the diameter of the first hole 112. It should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto, and the first hole 112 can have any suitable shape.

[0113] In other embodiments, the second end 320 of the member 300 may be offset relative to the first hole 112 in the vertical direction ZZ so that when the member 300 is in a position such as Figure 2D In the second position shown, the second end 320 can engage with the first portion 111 of the insulating housing 100 to prevent the second end 320 from passing through the first hole 112. In this case, the outer dimension of the second end 320 perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ can be greater than, less than or equal to the opening dimension of the first hole 112.

[0114] In some embodiments, Figure 2B and Figure 2D As shown, the second end portion 320 of the member 300 may include a threaded section 321 configured to be fastened to the mounting hole 13a of the platform portion 13 of the panel 10. The outer dimension of at least a portion of the threaded section 321 perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ is greater than the opening dimension (e.g., diameter) of the first hole 112. Figure 2D In the second position shown, at least a portion of the threaded section 321 may be engaged with the first portion 111 of the insulating housing 100 to prevent the second end 320 from passing through the first hole 112. For example, the outer dimension of the entire threaded section 321 may be larger than the opening dimension of the first hole 112. For another example, the outer dimension of a portion of the threaded section 321 adjacent to the first portion 111 of the insulating housing 100 may be larger than the opening dimension of the first hole 112. Exemplarily, the member 300 may be a bolt or a screw. In other words, the member 300 may be a built-in bolt or a screw of the electrical connector 20.

[0115] It should be understood that the coupling method between the second end 320 of the member 300 and the panel 10 may not be limited to coupling through the threaded section 321. In other embodiments, the second end 320 of the member 300 may include snap features, rivet features, expansion features, etc., for coupling to the panel 10, thereby fixing the insulating housing 100 to the panel 10.

[0116] In some embodiments, Figure 2B and Figure 2D As shown, the first end 310 of the member 300 can be aligned with the first hole 112 in the vertical direction ZZ. For example, the center line of the first end 310 can be aligned with the center line of the first hole 112. The outer dimension of at least a portion of the first end 310 perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ is greater than the opening dimension of the first hole 112 perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ. With this configuration, when the member 300 is in a position such as Figure 2B In the first position shown, the at least a portion of the first end portion 310 is engaged with the first portion 111 of the insulating housing 100 to prevent the first end portion 310 from passing through the first hole 112 .

[0117] In one of these embodiments, Figure 2C and Figure 2D As shown, the first end portion 310 of the member 300 may include a head portion 311, a first washer 312, and a second washer 313 disposed between the head portion 311 and the first washer 312. The first washer 312 may be a flat washer, and the second washer 313 may be a stop washer. The outer dimension (e.g., outer diameter) of the first washer 312 perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ may be greater than the opening dimension of the first hole 112. When the member 300 is in a position such as Figure 2B In the first position shown, the first gasket 312 is engaged with the first portion 111 of the insulating housing 100 to prevent the first end 310 from passing through the first hole 112. The second gasket 313 is sandwiched between the head 311 and the first gasket 312. With this configuration, the reliability of fixing the insulating housing 100 to the panel 10 can be improved. It should be understood that the configuration of the first end 310 of the member 300 is not limited to this.

[0118] In other embodiments, the first end 310 of the member 300 may be offset relative to the first hole 112 in the vertical direction ZZ so that when the member 300 is in a position such as Figure 2B In the first position shown, the first end portion 310 can engage with the first portion 111 of the insulating housing 100 to prevent the first end portion 310 from passing through the first hole 112. In this case, the outer dimension of the first end portion 310 perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ can be greater than, less than or equal to the opening dimension of the first hole 112.

[0119] The first end 310 of the member 300 may be configured to be driven so that the second end 320 is coupled to the panel 10. In some embodiments, as Figure 2C As shown, a cross-shaped driving groove 311a may be formed on the head 311 of the first end 310 for being driven by a tool such as a screwdriver, thereby causing the member 300 to rotate around an axis parallel to the vertical direction ZZ. In the case where the second end 320 of the member 300 includes a threaded section 321, by driving the first end 310 in this manner, the threaded section 321 of the second end 320 of the member 300 can be screwed into the mounting hole 13a of the platform portion 13 of the panel 10. It should be understood that the shape of the driving groove 311a is not limited thereto.

[0120] In other partial embodiments, the first end 310 may include or be formed with any other suitable driving features so as to be driven by a tool or by hand, thereby causing the second end 320 to be coupled to the panel 10. Depending on the specific configuration of the second end 320 of the member 300, the first end 310 of the member 300 may include or be formed with any other suitable type of driving features.

[0121] like Figures 1A to 1C As shown, the mating interface portion 101 of the insulating housing 100 may be configured to be inserted into the opening 12 along the lateral direction XX from the second side 11b of the panel body 11. The mating interface portion 101 may extend through the opening 12. The second end portion 320 of the member 300 is configured to be coupled to the platform portion 13 when the mating interface portion 101 is inserted into the opening 12 to fix the insulating housing 100 to the panel 10.

[0122] like Figure 2B and Figure 2D As shown, the first mounting portion 110 may further include a second portion 113 extending from the first portion 111 along the vertical direction ZZ, and a second hole 114 extending from the first hole 112 along the vertical direction ZZ through the second portion 113. The opening size of the second hole 114 perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ may be greater than the outer size of the second end portion 320 of the member 300 perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ. Figure 2D In the second position shown, the second end 320 is located in the second hole 114. Figure 2BIn the first position shown, the second end portion 320 extends from the second hole 114. The second portion 113 of the insulating housing 100 can be configured to be placed on the platform portion 13 when the mating interface portion 101 is inserted into the opening 12 of the panel body 11. When the mating interface portion 101 is inserted into the opening 12 and the second portion 113 is placed on the platform portion 13, the second end portion 320 can be located in the second hole 114, and the second hole 114 is aligned with the mounting hole 13a of the platform portion 13. Through this configuration, it is possible to ensure that the insulating housing 100 is stably placed on the platform portion 13 of the panel 10 before the insulating housing 100 is fixed to the panel 10 by the member 300. This can facilitate the installation of the electrical connector 20 to the panel 10.

[0123] The mating interface portion 101 of the insulating housing 100 extends beyond the first mounting portion 100 in the lateral direction XX, that is, extends beyond the first portion 111 and the second portion 113. Figures 1A to 1C As shown, when the mating interface portion 101 is inserted into the opening 12, the first mounting portion 100 (i.e., the first portion 111 and the second portion 113) can engage with the second side 11b of the panel body 11. With this configuration, it is possible to facilitate accurate positioning of the electrical connector 20 on the panel 10. It should be understood that in other embodiments, when the mating interface portion 101 is inserted into the opening 12, only one of the first portion 111 and the second portion 113 of the first mounting portion 100 can engage with the second side 11b of the panel body 11. This configuration can also facilitate accurate positioning of the electrical connector 20 on the panel 10.

[0124] In some embodiments, the second end 320 of the member 300 can be inserted through the first hole 112 and further into the second hole 114 from the side of the first part 111 opposite to the second part 113. Since the outer dimension of at least a portion of the second end 320 (e.g., the threaded section 321) perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ is greater than the opening dimension of the first hole 112 perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ, the at least a portion of the second end 320 can squeeze the first portion 111 to elastically deform so as to expand the opening dimension of the first hole 112. After the second end 320 enters the second hole 114 through the first hole 112, the first hole 112 returns to its original opening dimension. Exemplarily, when the second end 320 is inserted through the first hole 112, the opening dimension of the first hole 112 can be expanded by screwing the threaded section 321 and the threaded section 321 can enter the second hole 114 through the first hole 112.

[0125] In other embodiments, the first mounting portion 100 of the insulating housing 100 may be molded around the body 330 of the component 300 so that the component 300 is integrated with the insulating housing 100 and can move relative to the insulating housing 100 without being detached from the insulating housing 100 .

[0126] The component 300 can be made of any suitable material. For example, the component 300 can be made of a metal material.

[0127] The first mounting portion 110 (the first portion 111 and the second portion 113) together with the component 300 constitute a first mounting mechanism of the insulating housing 100. Figure 3 As shown, the electrical connector 20 may further include a second mounting portion 120 and another component 300. The configuration of the second mounting portion 120 may be the same as that of the first mounting portion 110, and the other component 300 may be integrated into the second mounting portion 120 in the same manner. Therefore, these identical features are not repeated here. The second mounting portion 120 and the other component 300 together constitute a second mounting mechanism of the insulating housing 100. The first mounting mechanism and the second mounting mechanism have the same structure and are respectively located on opposite sides of the mating interface portion 101 in the longitudinal direction YY. Through this configuration, the electrical connector 20 can be reliably fixed to the panel 10.

[0128] like FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D , FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B and FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B As shown, the middle portions 203 of the plurality of conductive terminals 200 are held in the insulating housing 100 , the mating ends 201 are exposed at the mating interface portion 101 , and the tail ends 202 extend from the insulating housing 100 .

[0129] In some embodiments, the electrical connector 20 may be configured as a socket-type cable connector. Specifically, the electrical connector 20 further includes a plurality of cables 400, each cable 400 having a first end 401 and an opposite second end (not shown). Figure 1D It is shown that the electrical connector 20 may include six cables 400 for connecting to six conductive terminals 200. It should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto.

[0130] For example, Figure 5AAs shown, each cable 400 may include a conductor 402 and an insulator 403 surrounding the conductor 402. The portion of the insulator 403 at the first end 401 and the second end of the cable 400 is removed to expose the conductor 402. The first end 401 of each cable 400 is attached (e.g., welded) to the tail end 202 of the corresponding conductive terminal 200 in a plurality of conductive terminals 200. The tail end 202 of the conductive terminal 200 may also be referred to as an "attachment end". The second end of each cable 400 may be connected to another electrical component (not shown) as described above. The electrical connector 20 may be used to transmit signals and / or power between the electrical component 3 and the other electrical component. For example, the conductive terminal 200 and the cable 400 may be configured to transmit sideband signals, high-speed signals, low-speed signals, power, etc. Through this configuration, the electrical connector 20 may provide a cable connection at the panel 10, wherein the cable 400 may be routed through a curved path at a location where it is difficult to install a rigid PCB. Therefore, the electrical connector 20 may be used in an environment where the deployment space is limited.

[0131] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The second end of the cable 400 is shown to be connected to an exemplary electrical connector 30. The electrical connector 30 can be configured as a plug connector. The electrical connector 30 can be connected to another socket connector, which can be mounted on another circuit board, for example. It should be understood that the present application is not limited to this. For example, the second end of the cable 400 can be directly connected to a circuit board or a socket connector.

[0132] In addition, if Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As shown, a portion of the plurality of cables 400 between the first end 401 and the second end may be surrounded by a jacket 700 to provide physical protection and optional electromagnetic shielding protection to the plurality of cables 400 .

[0133] like Figure 1D As best shown, the electrical connector 20 may include an insulating first retaining member 500 and an insulating second retaining member 600. FIG. 2A to FIG. 5B As shown, the second retaining member 600 may be configured to retain the plurality of conductive terminals 200 in the insulating housing 100. Specifically, the second retaining member 600 may be configured to be mounted to the insulating housing 100 and retain the middle portions 203 of the plurality of conductive terminals 200 in the insulating housing 100. Figures 3 to 4BAs shown, the mating interface portion 101 of the insulating housing 100 may include a terminal groove 102, which is configured to receive the conductive terminal 200. The terminal groove 102 extends along the transverse direction XX to communicate with the slot 101b. The middle portion 203 and the mating end 201 of the conductive terminal 200 may be disposed in the terminal groove 102, and the mating contact portion 201a of the mating end 201 may be bent into the slot 101b.

[0134] In some embodiments, Figure 4B and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B As shown, the width of the middle portion 203 of the conductive terminal 200 (ie, the dimension along the longitudinal direction YY) may be greater than the width of the mating end 201 and the width of the tail end 202. Figure 4B As shown, the shape of the first portion 102a of the inner wall of the terminal slot 102 can be configured to allow the mating end 201 to pass therethrough while restricting the middle portion 203 from passing therethrough when the conductive terminal 200 is inserted into the terminal slot 102. The first portion 102a can engage with the middle portion 203 of the conductive terminal 200 to restrict the movement of the middle portion 203 along the lateral direction XX. The second retaining member 600 can retain the tail ends 202 of the plurality of conductive terminals 200. Figure 3 and Figure 4B As best shown, the second retaining member 600 may include a groove 601, and the tail end 202 of the conductive terminal 200 may be disposed in the groove 601. Figure 3 and Figure 4B As best shown, the second retaining member 600 may include a retaining portion 602 to retain the tail end 202 of the conductive terminal 200 in the groove 601. When the tail end 202 of the conductive terminal 200 is retained on the second retaining member 600, the retaining portion 602 may also engage with the middle portion 203 of the conductive terminal 200 to limit the movement of the middle portion 203 along the lateral direction XX. With this configuration, when the second retaining member 600 is mounted to the insulating housing 100, the retaining portion 602 and the first portion 102a of the inner wall of the terminal groove 102 may cooperate to limit the movement of the middle portion 203 along the lateral direction XX, thereby reliably retaining the middle portions 203 of the plurality of conductive terminals 200 in the insulating housing 100. This enables the plurality of conductive terminals 200 to be fixed to the insulating housing 100. It should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto.

[0135] In some embodiments, Figure 4B and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B As shown, the middle portion 203 may include a barb feature 203 a for engaging with the second portion 102 b of the inner wall of the terminal groove 102 to secure the middle portion 203 in the terminal groove 102 .

[0136] In other embodiments, the second retaining member 600 can retain at least a portion of the middle portions 203 of the plurality of conductive terminals 200, and retain the middle portions 203 of the plurality of conductive terminals 200 in the insulating housing 100 when mounted to the insulating housing 100, thereby fixing the plurality of conductive terminals 200 to the insulating housing 100. For example, the second retaining member 600 can be molded around the at least a portion of the middle portions 203 of the plurality of conductive terminals 200. For another example, the at least a portion of the middle portions 203 of the plurality of conductive terminals 200 can be inserted in the second retaining member 600.

[0137] like Figure 3 As shown, the insulating housing 100 may include a top surface 141 and a bottom surface 142 opposite to each other in the vertical direction ZZ, and a first side surface 143 extending between the top surface 141 and the bottom surface 142. The second holding member 600 may include a first surface 610 and a second surface 620 opposite to each other in the vertical direction ZZ, and a first edge portion 630 and a second edge portion 640 opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction YY. The groove 601 of the second holding member 600 may be recessed into the second holding member 600 from the first surface 610 and the second surface 620 along the vertical direction ZZ, respectively. The tail ends 202 of the plurality of conductive terminals 200 may be disposed in the groove 601 at the first surface 610 and the second surface 620. It should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto, and the tail ends 202 of the plurality of conductive terminals 200 may be disposed on the first surface 610 and the second surface 620.

[0138] In some embodiments, Figure 3 As shown, the insulating housing 100 may include a receiving space 150 recessed into the insulating housing 100 from the first side surface 143 along the lateral direction XX. The receiving space 150 may extend to the top surface 141 and the bottom surface 142 of the insulating housing 100 in the vertical direction ZZ to form open portions at the top surface 141 and the bottom surface 142, respectively. The second retaining member 600 may be inserted into the receiving space 150 of the insulating housing 100. Exemplarily, as Figure 3 As shown, the insulating housing 100 may include a first receiving groove 151 and a second receiving groove 152. The first receiving groove 151 and the second receiving groove 152 may be respectively recessed from the receiving space 150 along the longitudinal direction YY into the insulating housing 100. Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, when the second holding member 600 is inserted into the receiving space 150 of the insulating housing 100, the first edge portion 630 and the second edge portion 640 may be received in the first receiving groove 151 and the second receiving groove 152 of the insulating housing 100, respectively, so that the second holding member 600 is held in the receiving space 150. In addition, the first edge portion 630 and the second edge portion 640 and the first receiving groove 151 and the second receiving groove 152 may guide the second holding member 600 to be inserted into the receiving space 150.

[0139] The first surface 610 and the second surface 620 of the second holding member 600 may be exposed through the openings at the top surface 141 and the bottom surface 142 of the insulating housing 100. The tail ends 202 of the plurality of conductive terminals 200 may be accessed through the openings, for example, to attach the cables 400 thereto.

[0140] In one of these embodiments, Figure 3 As shown, the first edge portion 630 and the second edge portion 640 of the second holding member 600 may each include a protrusion 650. The insulating housing 100 may include a recess 153 recessed from the inner wall of the first receiving groove 151 and the second receiving groove 152 into the insulating housing 100. When the first edge portion 630 and the second edge portion 640 are received in the first receiving groove 151 and the second receiving groove 152 of the insulating housing 100, the protrusion 650 may be snapped into the recess 153, so that the second holding member 600 is reliably held in the receiving space 150.

[0141] like Figures 1A to 1C As shown, the first retaining member 500 can be fixed to the insulating housing 100, and the first retaining member 500 covers the connected portion of the first end 401 of the plurality of cables 400 and the tail end 202 of the plurality of conductive terminals 200. The first retaining member 500 can also cover at least a portion of the second retaining member 600 therein to fix the second retaining member 600 to the insulating housing. Through this configuration, the conductive terminal 200 can be reliably retained in the insulating housing 100, and the connection reliability of the cable 400 and the conductive terminal 200 is improved, thereby improving the reliability of the electrical connector 20. The first retaining member 500 can improve the integration of the electrical connector 20.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first retaining member 500 may cover the second retaining member 600 in the receiving space 150 of the insulating housing 100 to fix the second retaining member 600 to the insulating housing 100. Exemplarily, the second retaining member 600 and the conductive terminal 200 may be assembled together first, then the cable 400 may be attached to the conductive terminal 200, and then the second retaining member 600, the conductive terminal 200 and the cable 400 are assembled together to the insulating housing 100. Subsequently, the first retaining member 500 may be molded onto the insulating housing 100 to cover the connected portion of the first ends 401 of the plurality of cables 400 and the tail ends 202 of the plurality of conductive terminals 200 and the at least a portion of the second retaining member 600 therein. The first retaining member 500 may be an overmolded member molded onto the insulating housing 100.

[0143] In one of these embodiments, Figures 1A to 1D As shown, the insulating housing 100 may include a plurality of recesses 160 recessed into the insulating housing 100 from the outer surface (e.g., the top surface 141 and the bottom surface 142) of the insulating housing 100. The first retaining member 500 may be molded onto the insulating housing 100 and fill the plurality of recesses 160 so that the first retaining member 500 is reliably fixed to the insulating housing 100. Exemplarily, as shown in the figure, the recess 160 may have a dovetail shape, and the first retaining member 500 fills the recess 160 to form a snap fit with the recess 160. With this configuration, the first retaining member 500 can be reliably fixed to the insulating housing 100.

[0144] In other partial embodiments, the first retaining member 500 may be first molded onto the second retaining member 600, and then fixed to the insulating housing 100 together with the second retaining member 600. Exemplarily, the second retaining member 600 and the conductive terminal 200 may be first assembled together, and then the cable 400 may be attached to the conductive terminal 200. Subsequently, the first retaining member 500 may be molded onto the second retaining member 600 to enclose the connected portions of the first ends 401 of the plurality of cables 400 and the tail ends 202 of the plurality of conductive terminals 200 and the at least a portion of the second retaining member 600. Subsequently, the first retaining member 500 may be mounted to the insulating housing 100.

[0145] In some other embodiments, the electrical connector 20 may not have the second retaining member 600. Exemplarily, the conductive terminal 200 may be retained by the insulating housing 100, and the plurality of cables 400 are connected to the conductive terminal 200. The first retaining member 500 may be molded onto the insulating housing 100 to enclose the connected portions of the first ends 401 of the plurality of cables 400 and the tail ends 202 of the plurality of conductive terminals 200 therein.

[0146] The first holding member 500 and the second holding member 600 may be made of an insulating material. Examples of insulating materials suitable for manufacturing the first holding member 500 and the second holding member 600 include, but are not limited to, plastic, nylon, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high temperature nylon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO) or polypropylene (PP).

[0147] like Figures 1A to 1C and FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B As shown and described above, the insulating housing 100 may include a first side (i.e., a side of the top surface 141) and a second side (i.e., a side of the bottom surface 142) opposite to each other in the vertical direction ZZ, the mating interface portion 101 may extend along the lateral direction XX, and the mating ends 201 of the plurality of conductive terminals 200 may be exposed at the mating interface portion 101 for establishing electrical connection with an electrical component in the lateral direction XX. A plurality of cables 400 may extend from the insulating housing 100 at the first side of the insulating housing 100 in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction XX (e.g., the vertical direction ZZ). That is, the plurality of cables 400 connected to the conductive terminals 200 in the top row 200A and the bottom row 200B all extend from the insulating housing 100 at the first side of the insulating housing 100 in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction XX. By this configuration, the dimension of the electrical connector 20 along the lateral direction XX can be minimized to facilitate the electrical connector 20 to be installed in a space-constrained environment to the panel 10.

[0148] In some embodiments, FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B As shown, for each conductive terminal 200, the tail end 202 can extend along the transverse direction XX. For multiple cables 400, the first end 401 of each cable 400 can extend along the transverse direction XX and be attached to the tail end 202 of the corresponding conductive terminal 200. A line weld can be formed between the first end 401 of the cable 400 and the tail end 202 of the corresponding conductive terminal 200. Each cable 400 can also include a straight section 405 extending along the vertical direction ZZ and a curved section 404 connecting the straight section 405 and the first end 401. The straight sections 405 of multiple cables 400 can be arranged adjacent to each other. The first retaining member 500 covers the first end 401 and the curved section 404 of the multiple cables 400 therein. The first retaining member 500 can also retain a portion of the straight sections 405 of the multiple cables 400. The straight sections 405 of the multiple cables 400 can extend out from the first retaining member 500. Through this configuration, the bent section 404 of the cable 400 can be fixed relative to the first end 401 of the cable 400 and the insulating housing 100 , thereby improving the connection reliability between the cable 400 and the conductive terminal 200 .

[0149] As described above, the second end 320 of the member 300 can be configured to be coupled to the panel 10 when the mating interface portion 101 of the insulating housing 100 is inserted into the opening 12 of the panel 10 to fix the insulating housing 100 to the panel 10. In some embodiments, as Figures 1A to 1C and FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B As shown, the first end 310 of the member 300 can be configured to be accessible and driven from the first side (i.e., the top surface 141 side) of the insulating housing 100, so that the second end 320 is coupled to the panel 10. In addition, when the second end 320 of the member 300 is coupled to the panel 10, the first end 310 of the member 300 can be accessible and driven from the first side of the insulating housing 100, so that the second end 320 is disconnected from the panel 10. Thanks to the fact that the plurality of cables 400 of the electrical connector 20 all extend from the insulating housing 100 at the first side of the insulating housing 100, and the first end 310 of the member 300 is configured to be accessible and driven from the first side of the insulating housing 100, the electrical connector 20 can be used in an environment with limited deployment space to be easily installed on and removed from the panel 10. Furthermore, since the first retaining member 500 covers the first ends 401 and the bent sections 404 of the plurality of cables 400 , reliable protection can be provided for the connection between the first ends 401 of the cables 400 and the tail ends 202 of the corresponding conductive terminals 200 during installation and removal of the electrical connector 20 .

[0150] Figure 8 FIG. 1 shows an exemplary application of the electrical connector 20. The panel 10 may be disposed on an L-type rack 40. The L-type rack 40 may be, for example, part of a housing of a server or a switch, and the panel 10 may be disposed in or on the housing. Only a limited space is left between the L-type rack 40 and the panel 10 for disposing the electrical connector. Figure 8 As shown, the above configuration of the electrical connector 20 enables the electrical connector 20 to be easily and reliably mounted to the panel 10 in an environment where the deployment space is limited. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The configuration of the electrical connector 20 shown is similar. Figure 8 In an exemplary application, a portion of the plurality of cables 400 between the first end 401 and the second end may be surrounded by the jacket 700 to provide physical protection and optional electromagnetic shielding protection to the plurality of cables 400 .

[0151] Figures 9 to 10D FIG. 9 shows an electrical connector 920 according to another embodiment of the present application. Figures 1A to 8 Similar, in Figures 9 to 10D920. A transverse direction XX, a longitudinal direction YY, and a vertical direction ZZ are also defined in the figure. The transverse direction XX, the longitudinal direction YY, and the vertical direction ZZ are perpendicular to each other. The transverse direction XX generally refers to the width direction of the electrical connector 920. The longitudinal direction YY generally refers to the length direction of the electrical connector 920. The vertical direction ZZ generally refers to the height direction of the electrical connector 920.

[0152] like Figures 1A to 8 and Figures 9 to 10D As shown, the configuration of the electrical connector 920 is similar to that of the electrical connector 20. The difference between the electrical connector 920 and the electrical connector 20 is that the configuration of the component 9300 of the electrical connector 920 is different from the configuration of the component 300 of the electrical connector 20. Therefore, for the same components or parts in the electrical connector 920 and the electrical connector 20, the same components or parts are used in the embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1A to 8 The reference numerals indicating the components or parts of the electrical connector 20 are shown in FIG. Figures 9 to 10D The same components or parts of the electrical connector 920 are indicated in FIG. 1 . For the sake of brevity, the details of these same components or parts will not be repeated.

[0153] Similar to the electrical connector 20, Figures 9 to 10D As shown, the component 9300 of the electrical connector 920 may also be configured to be integrated with the insulating housing 100. The configuration and function of the component 9300 of the electrical connector 920 may be substantially similar to the configuration and function of the component 300 of the electrical connector 20. The component 9300 of the electrical connector 920 differs from the component 300 of the electrical connector 20 in that the configuration of the second end 9320 of the component 9300 is different from the configuration of the second end 320 of the component 300 of the electrical connector 20. Therefore, for the same parts of the component 9300 and the component 300, the configuration of the second end 9320 of the component 9300 is different from the configuration of the second end 320 of the component 300 of the electrical connector 20. Figures 1A to 8 The reference numerals for the various parts of the component 300 are as follows: Figures 9 to 10D 9300. For the sake of brevity, the details of these identical parts will not be repeated.

[0154] The component 9300 can be configured to be able to move relative to the insulating housing 100 in the vertical direction ZZ. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The first position shown is similar to Fig. 10C and Fig. 10D The second position shown in FIG. 1 is movable between the insulating housing 100 and the insulating housing 100 without being separated from the insulating housing 100. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B As shown, when the member 9300 is in the first position, the first end 310 of the member 9300 can engage with the insulating housing 100 to prevent the member 9300 from being separated from the insulating housing 100. Fig. 10C and Fig. 10DAs shown, when the member 9300 is in the second position, the second end 9320 of the member 9300 can be engaged with the insulating housing 100 to prevent the member 9300 from being separated from the insulating housing 100.

[0155] The body 330 of the component 9300 may be configured to pass through the first hole 112 along the vertical direction ZZ, so that the component 9300 can be placed in a position such as Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The first position shown is similar to Fig. 10C and Fig. 10D When the member 9300 is in the first position, the first end 310 of the member 9300 engages with the first portion 111 of the insulating housing 100 to prevent the first end 310 from passing through the first hole 112 of the first portion 111. When the member 9300 is in the second position, the second end 9320 of the member 9300 engages with the first portion 111 of the insulating housing 100 to prevent the second end 9320 from passing through the first hole 112 of the first portion 111.

[0156] The component 9300 of the electrical connector 920 is different from the component 300 of the electrical connector 20 in that the second end 9320 of the component 9300 may include a threaded section 9321 and a retaining ring 9322 disposed between the threaded section 9321 and the first portion 111 of the insulating housing 100. The threaded section 9321 is configured to be fastened to the mounting hole 13a of the platform portion 13 of the panel 10. The outer dimension (e.g., outer diameter) of the retaining ring 9322 perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ is larger than the opening dimension of the first hole 112, and the inner dimension (e.g., inner diameter) of the retaining ring 9322 perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ is smaller than the outer dimension of the threaded section 9321 perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ. With this configuration, when the component 9300 is in a position such as Fig. 10D In the second position shown, the retaining ring 9322 is clamped between the threaded segment 9321 and the first portion 111 of the insulating housing 100 to block the threaded segment 9321 from passing through the first hole 112 of the first portion 111 , thereby preventing the second end 9320 from passing through the first hole 112 .

[0157] The retaining ring 9322 may be disposed adjacent to the threaded section 9321. In some embodiments, the retaining ring 9322 may be movable on the body 330 of the member 9300. Although the retaining ring 9322 is shown as having a circular ring shape, it should be understood that the retaining ring 9322 may have any suitable shape.

[0158] In some embodiments, due to the use of the retaining ring 9322, the outer dimension of the threaded segment 9321 perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ can be smaller than the opening dimension of the first hole 112. In this case, when the member 930 is integrated into the first portion 111 of the insulating housing 100, the threaded segment 9321 of the second end portion 9320 of the member 9300 can first be inserted through the first hole 112 from the side of the first portion 111 opposite to the second portion 113, and enter the second hole 114. Subsequently, the retaining ring 9322 can be set on the member 9300, located between the threaded segment 9321 and the first portion 111 of the insulating housing 100.

[0159] In some embodiments, the retaining ring 9322 can be screwed through the threaded section 9321 from the end of the threaded section 9321. For example, Fig. 9 As shown, the retaining ring 9322 may include a cutout portion 9322a, which may allow the inner dimension of the retaining ring 9322 to slightly expand when the retaining ring 9322 is screwed through the threaded section 9321, so that the retaining ring 9322 can smoothly pass through the threaded section 9321. It should be understood that the form of the retaining ring 9322 is not limited thereto, and the retaining ring may be disposed between the threaded section 9321 and the first portion 111 of the insulating housing 100 in any suitable manner.

[0160] The first mounting portion 110 (the first portion 111 and the second portion 113) together with the component 9300 constitute a first mounting mechanism of the insulating housing 100. Figures 9 to 10D As shown, the electrical connector 920 may further include a second mounting portion 120 and another component 9300. The configuration of the second mounting portion 120 may be the same as that of the first mounting portion 110, and the another component 9300 may be integrated into the second mounting portion 120 in the same manner. Therefore, these same features will not be described in detail herein.

[0161] Although the above description is that the tail end 202 of the conductive terminal 200 extends along the transverse direction XX, it should be understood that the configuration of the tail end 202 is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the tail end 202 may also be bent. For example, the tail end 202 of the conductive terminal 200 may be bent to have a section extending along the vertical direction ZZ.

[0162] Although it is described above that the tail end 202 of the conductive terminal 200 is directly connected to the cable 400, it should be understood that the configuration of the tail end 202 is not limited thereto. The tail end 202 can be configured to be connected to an electrical component such as another circuit board or another electrical connector in any suitable manner. For example, the tail end 202 can be in the form of a press-fit "eye of needle" for installation in a conductive through hole of an electrical component.

[0163] Although the middle portion 203 of the conductive terminal 200 is described above as being straight, it should be understood that the middle portion 203 of the conductive terminal 200 can be bent to have any suitable angle. In this case, the orientation of the mating end 201 and the tail end 202 relative to each other can be changed accordingly.

[0164] Although it is described above that the mating interface portion 101 of the insulating housing 100 includes a slot 101b and the mating end 201 of the conductive terminal 200 is bent into the slot 101b, it should be understood that the configuration of the electrical connector 20 at the mating interface is not limited thereto. In other partial embodiments, the mating interface portion 101 of the insulating housing 100 may include a tongue, and the mating end 201 of the conductive terminal 200 may be straight and exposed on the surface of the tongue. In this case, the electrical connector 20 is configured as a plug connector for establishing an electrical connection with a mating socket connector at the panel 10.

[0165] Although the electrical connector 20 is described above as being configured as a cable connector, it should be understood that the aspects of the present disclosure are not limited in this regard, as any inventive concept, whether alone or in combination with one or more other inventive concepts, can be used for other types of electrical connectors, such as card edge connectors, backplane connectors, right-angle connectors, stacking connectors, mezzanine connectors, I / O connectors, etc.

[0166] The panel 10 is an example of a structure for deploying the electrical connector 20, and the present application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the electrical connector 20 can be connected to any other suitable structure, such as another circuit board or a housing of another electrical connector. For example, the member 300 can be configured to fix the electrical connector 20 to another circuit board or a housing of another electrical connector.

[0167] Although it is described above that the component 300 is integrated with the insulating housing 100, it should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the component 300 can be integrated with the metal shell of the electrical connector 20, which can surround the insulating housing of the electrical connector 20 for holding the conductive terminals.

[0168] Having thus described several embodiments, it will be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

[0169] It should be understood that the terms "first", "second" and "third" are only used to distinguish one orientation, element, component or part from another orientation, element, component or part, but these orientations, elements, components and parts should not be limited by such terms.

[0170] The present application has been described in detail above in conjunction with specific embodiments. Obviously, the above description and the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings should be understood as exemplary and do not constitute a limitation to the present application. For those skilled in the art, various modifications or changes can be made to the present application without departing from the spirit of the present application, and these modifications or changes do not depart from the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An electrical connector, characterized in that: The electrical connector comprises: case; a plurality of conductive terminals disposed in the housing; and A member, which is integrated with the shell and is configured to be able to move between a first position and a second position relative to the shell in a first direction without being disengaged from the shell, the member comprising a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end and the second end being configured to selectively engage with the shell to prevent the member from being disengaged from the shell, wherein when the member is in the first position, the first end engages with the shell to prevent the member from being disengaged from the shell, and when the member is in the second position, the second end engages with the shell to prevent the member from being disengaged from the shell.

2. The electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a first portion and a first hole extending through the first portion along the first direction; The member further includes a body extending between the first end and the second end, the body extending through the first hole along the first direction, and the first end and the second end are respectively located on opposite sides of the first portion; as well as The body is configured to be able to pass through the first hole along the first direction so that the member can move between the first position and the second position, and when the member is in the first position, the first end engages with the first part to prevent the first end from passing through the first hole, and when the member is in the second position, the second end engages with the first part to prevent the second end from passing through the first hole.

3. The electrical connector according to claim 2, wherein: The second end of the member is configured to be coupled to a structure separate from the electrical connector to secure the housing to the structure.

4. The electrical connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second end of the member is aligned with the first hole in the first direction, and an outer dimension of at least a portion of the second end perpendicular to the first direction is larger than an opening dimension of the first hole perpendicular to the first direction.

5. The electrical connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second end of the member includes a threaded section configured for fastening to the structure, at least a portion of the threaded section having an outer dimension perpendicular to the first direction that is greater than the opening dimension of the first hole.

6. The electrical connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second end portion of the member comprises: a threaded section configured for fastening to the structure; and A retaining ring is arranged between the threaded section and the first part of the shell, wherein an outer dimension of the retaining ring perpendicular to the first direction is larger than the opening dimension of the first hole, and an inner dimension of the retaining ring perpendicular to the first direction is smaller than an outer dimension of the threaded section perpendicular to the first direction.

7. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The first end of the member is aligned with the first hole in the first direction, and an outer dimension of at least a portion of the first end perpendicular to the first direction is larger than an opening dimension of the first hole perpendicular to the first direction; and / or the first end of the member being configured to be drivable to cause the second end to couple to the structure; and / or The body of the member is in the form of a rod elongated along the first direction.

8. The electrical connector according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that: The housing includes a mating interface portion; as well as Each of the conductive terminals includes a mating end, a tail end opposite to the mating end, and an intermediate portion extending between the mating end and the tail end, the mating ends of the multiple conductive terminals being exposed at the mating interface portion and being configured to establish an electrical connection with an electrical component in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

9. The electrical connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The structure includes a panel including a panel body and an opening extending through the panel body along the second direction; and The mating interface portion of the shell is configured to be inserted into the opening of the panel along the second direction, and the second end of the member is configured to be connected to the panel when the mating interface portion is inserted into the opening to fix the shell to the panel.

10. The electrical connector according to claim 9, characterized in that: The panel body includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other in the second direction, the opening extends from the first side through the panel body along the second direction to the second side, and the panel further includes a platform portion extending from the second side of the panel body along the second direction; as well as The mating interface portion is configured to be inserted into the opening from the second side of the panel body, and the second end of the member is configured to be coupled to the platform portion when the mating interface portion is inserted into the opening to secure the housing to the panel.

11. The electrical connector according to claim 10, characterized in that: The housing further includes a second portion extending from the first portion along the first direction and a second hole extending from the first hole through the second portion along the first direction; The second end is located in the second hole when the member is in the second position, and the second end extends out of the second hole when the member is in the first position; as well as The second portion of the housing is configured to rest on the platform portion when the mating interface portion is inserted into the opening.

12. The electrical connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: The mating interface portion extends beyond the first portion and the second portion in the second direction, and at least one of the first portion and the second portion is configured to engage with the second side of the panel body when the mating interface portion is inserted into the opening.

13. The electrical connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: The platform portion includes a mounting hole, the second portion of the housing is configured to be placed on the platform portion of the panel body when the mating interface portion is inserted into the opening so that the second hole is aligned with the mounting hole, and the second end of the member includes a threaded section, the threaded section is configured to be fastened to the mounting hole of the platform portion; and / or The mating interface portion, the first portion and the second portion are integrally formed; and / or The housing comprises an insulating housing, the insulating housing comprises the mating interface portion, the first portion and the second portion, and the intermediate portions of the plurality of conductive terminals are held by the insulating housing; and / or The first part, the second part and the component together constitute a first mounting mechanism of the shell, and the shell also includes a second mounting mechanism. The first mounting mechanism and the second mounting mechanism have the same structure and are respectively located on opposite sides of the mating interface part in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

14. The electrical connector according to claim 9, characterized in that: The panel includes a notch portion recessed from the opening into the panel, and the mating interface portion includes a locating key configured to mate with the notch portion so that the mating interface portion is inserted into the opening in a unique orientation.

15. The electrical connector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The housing includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other in the first direction, and the first end of the member is configured to be accessible from the first side of the housing; as well as The electrical connector further includes a plurality of cables, a first end of each of the cables being attached to the tail end of a corresponding conductive terminal among the plurality of conductive terminals, and each of the cables extending out of the housing at the first side of the housing along the first direction.

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