Cable connector, adaptive connector and electrical system

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a cable connector, an adapter connector and an electrical system. The cable connector includes a housing assembly and a conductive assembly, the conductive assembly including at least one flexible flat cable, each of the at least one flexible flat cable including a mating contact end, a mounting end, and an intermediate section connected between the mating contact end and the mounting end, wherein the mating contact end of the at least one flexible flat cable extends into the housing assembly, and the mounting end of the at least one flexible flat cable is located outside the housing assembly; the mating contact end of the at least one flexible flat cable has a first surface and a second surface, each of the first surface and the second surface including a plurality of contact discs arranged in a row along a first lateral direction, the first surface and the second surface being opposite along a second lateral direction perpendicular to the first lateral direction. Thus, a high-density contact disc can be provided, and a high-density cable can be formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of connector technology, and in particular, to plug connectors and socket connectors with a novel connector locking assembly (CPA). These connectors are particularly suitable for harsh environments with strong vibrations such as vehicles, and more particularly, these connectors are suitable for new energy vehicles. In addition, the present disclosure also relates to an electrical connector with a novel terminal locking assembly (TPA), by operating which a conductive component can be replaced for the electrical connector. Background Art

[0002] Electrical connectors are used in many electronic systems. Often, it is easier and more cost-effective to manufacture an electronic system as separate electronic components that can be connected together using electrical connectors. Electrical connectors can be used to interconnect components so that the components can work together as part of an electronic system. For example, electrical connectors can be mounted on circuit boards within two components that are connected by mating with the electrical connectors. In other electronic systems, it may be impractical to connect two circuit boards by directly mating the electrical connectors on the circuit boards. For example, when assembling the electronic system, the circuit boards may be spaced so far apart that the electrical connectors mounted in the circuit boards cannot be directly connected.

[0003] In some electronic systems, connections between components can be made via cables. The cables can be terminated with connectors that mate with connectors mounted on a circuit board. In this way, connections between components can be made by inserting an electrical connector that is part of a cable assembly into an electrical connector mounted on a circuit board. In other electronic system architectures, an electrical connector that terminates a cable can mate with another electrical connector that terminates another cable.

[0004] A modern automobile is an example of an electronic system in which components are connected by cables. For example, an automobile includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that is used to control various vehicle systems, such as the engine, transmission (TCU), safety system, emission control, lighting, advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), entertainment system, navigation system, and camera. The ECU can be manufactured as separate components and connected through one or more vehicle networks formed with cables arranged between these components. In order to simplify the manufacture of the automobile, these components can be manufactured separately and then connected by cables terminated with electrical connectors that can be connected to matching electrical connectors that terminate other cables or are attached to circuit boards within these components. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to at least partially solve the problems existing in the prior art, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a plug connector. The plug connector includes: a first conductive component; a first housing component, the first conductive component is mounted to the first housing component; and a connector locking component, the connector locking component includes a first component, a second component and a third component. The first component is movable between a first locking position and a first release position, and the first component is configured to cooperate with the first housing component and lock the second component when in the first locking position and to disengage from the first housing component and release the second component when in the first release position. The second component is configured to be movable between a second locking position locked by the first component and a second release position cooperated with the third component. The third component is configured to be movable between a third locking position that can lock a matching socket connector and a third release position that cooperates with the second component to release the socket connector.

[0006] Exemplarily, the first component includes: a first body, the first body includes a first operating part, the first operating part is operable to move the first component between a first locking position and a first release position along a first direction; and a first locking part, the first locking part locks the second component when the first component is in the first locking position and releases the second component when the first component is in the first release position.

[0007] Exemplarily, the first operating part is operable between an initial position and a first operating position along a second direction different from the first direction, wherein: when the first operating part is in the initial position, a limiting part on the first shell assembly blocks the first operating part along the first direction, so that the first component remains in the first locked position; and when the first operating part is in the first operating position, the first operating part and the limiting part are unblocked, so that the first component can move to the first release position.

[0008] Exemplarily, the limiting portion extends in a first direction, the first operating portion abuts against an end of the limiting portion when in an initial state, and the first operating portion passes over the end of the limiting portion and slides along the limiting portion when in a first operating position, so that the first component moves to a first release position.

[0009] Exemplarily, the first operating portion includes a cantilever and a pair of wings protruding outward from both sides of the free end of the cantilever, and the limiting portions are arranged in pairs to block the pair of wings respectively along the first direction.

[0010] Exemplarily, the outer surface of the first operating portion has a protrusion protruding from the outer surface of the first body, and a protruding protective portion is provided on the outer surface of the first body, and the protective portion is provided around the protrusion.

[0011] Exemplarily, the first component also includes a first middle portion, which is connected between the first locking portion and the first body; the third component includes: a third locking portion, which is configured to lock and release the socket connector; a third tail portion, wherein the third locking portion and the third tail portion are respectively located at opposite ends of the third component; and a third middle portion connected between the third locking portion and the third tail portion, wherein the width of the third middle portion is smaller than the width of the third locking portion and the width of at least a portion of the third tail portion, a gap is provided on the first middle portion, and the third middle portion passes through the gap.

[0012] Exemplarily, a width of the third locking portion and a width of at least a portion of the third tail portion are both greater than a width of the gap.

[0013] Exemplarily, the width of the third middle portion is adapted to the width of the gap.

[0014] Exemplarily, the second component is constructed to be pressed into the second release position toward the inside of the first shell assembly, and the first locking portion is located on the inner side of the second component. When the first component is in the first locking position, the first locking portion presses against the second component toward the outer side of the first shell assembly to keep the second component in the second locking position.

[0015] Exemplarily, the third component includes a third opening extending along the first direction, and the first locking portion passes through the third opening to cooperate with the second component and is slidable along the third opening.

[0016] Exemplarily, a mounting channel extending along the first direction is provided on the first shell assembly, and the first component is movably mounted to the mounting channel along the first direction between a first locking position and a first release position, and the mounting channel at least limits the movement of the first component in the first direction.

[0017] Exemplarily, the first component includes a first body. The first body includes a first side wall, a second side wall and a third side wall. A first operating portion is provided on the first side wall, and the first operating portion is operable to move the first component between a first locking position and a first release position. The second side wall and the third side wall are relatively arranged on both sides of the first side wall, and the second side wall and the third side wall are respectively provided with a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion. The first housing assembly is provided with a first clamping groove and a second clamping groove extending along a first direction. The first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are respectively clamped into the first clamping groove and the second clamping groove along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are slidable along the first clamping groove and the second clamping groove.

[0018] Exemplarily, the second component and the third component are both located in the mounting channel, and along the first direction, the third component is fixed in place by the second component and the first housing assembly.

[0019] Exemplarily, the first direction is parallel to a mating direction of the plug connector and the socket connector.

[0020] Exemplarily, the third component includes: a third locking portion, which is used to lock and release the socket connector; and a third tail portion, the third locking portion and the third tail portion are respectively located at opposite ends of the third component, the third tail portion includes a connecting section, an intermediate section and an end portion which are connected in sequence along the mating direction of the plug connector and the socket connector, the connecting section is connected to the third locking portion, wherein: the intermediate section is bent toward the inside of the first shell assembly and abuts against the first shell assembly; the end abuts against the first shell assembly toward the outside of the first shell assembly; and a fulcrum is provided on the first shell assembly, which biases the connecting section toward the outside of the first shell assembly.

[0021] Exemplarily, third wing portions are respectively provided on both sides of the end of the third tail portion, and along the insertion direction of the plug connector into the socket connector, the third wing portions abut against the first shell assembly.

[0022] Exemplarily, the third component further includes a protruding third limiting portion, and along the direction in which the plug connector is removed from the socket connector, the third limiting portion abuts against the second component.

[0023] Exemplarily, the third member is made of sheet metal.

[0024] Exemplarily, the first shell assembly includes a front shell and a rear shell, the first conductive assembly extends into the front shell, the first component is mounted to the rear shell and extends into the front shell; the second component is mounted between the front shell and the portion of the first component extending into the front shell; the third component is mounted to the rear shell and extends to the front shell.

[0025] This can prevent the plug connector from being accidentally removed from the socket connector in a complex environment, such as when it is subjected to vibration, impact, or is entangled by a cable.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present application, a socket connector is provided, comprising: a second conductive component, the second conductive component being configured to be electrically connected to a first conductive component on a plug connector inserted into the socket connector; a second shell component, the second conductive component being mounted to the second shell component; and a housing, the housing surrounding the second shell component, the housing being provided with a connector locking adapter, the connector locking adapter being configured to be locked with a connector locking component on the plug connector.

[0027] Exemplarily, the connector locking adapter includes a first connector locking adapter and a second connector locking adapter, and the first connector locking adapter and the second connector locking adapter are arranged in sequence along the mating direction of the plug connector and the socket connector, and each of the first connector locking adapter and the second connector locking adapter can be locked with the connector locking component on the plug connector.

[0028] Exemplarily, the compartment body is formed by bending a metal sheet, and opposite edges of the metal sheet are formed with mortise and tenon structures so that the edges of the metal sheet are connected to each other.

[0029] Illustratively, the compartment includes a board lock for mounting to the circuit board.

[0030] Exemplarily, the inner surface of the front portion of the compartment is spaced apart from the outer surface of the second housing assembly to form a space for receiving an insertion portion of the plug connector, and the connector locking adapter is disposed in the space.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present application, a method for operating a plug connector is provided, comprising: moving a first component from a first locked position to a first released position to release a second component in a second locked position; moving a second component from a second locked position to a second released position to unlock a third component, wherein when the second component is in the second locked position, the third component is in a third locked position; when the second component is in the second released position, the third component is in a third released position to release a socket connector adapted to the plug connector.

[0032] Exemplarily, the step of moving the first component from the first locking position to the first releasing position includes: pressing a first operating portion on the first component in the first locking position; and moving the first component along a first direction so that the first component moves to the first releasing position.

[0033] When the plug connector cannot be used normally due to a problem with the first conductive component, cost can be saved by replacing only the first conductive component, compared with replacing the entire plug connector. The first locking member is used to clamp the first conductive component, which can also simplify the assembly process and has a simpler structure, thereby reducing the difficulty of design and assembly.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a connector is provided, comprising: a conductive component; a housing component, the conductive component being inserted into the housing component; and a terminal locking component. The terminal locking component comprises a first locking member and a stress relief member fixed to the first locking member. The first locking member has a first locking position and a first unlocking position. When the first locking member is in the first locking position, the conductive component is clamped between the housing component and the stress relief member; and when the first locking member is in the first unlocking position, the conductive component is detachable from the housing component.

[0035] Illustratively, the first capture member is detachably connected to the housing assembly between a first captured position and a first unlocked position.

[0036] Exemplarily, the first locking member includes an elastic buckle that cooperates with the housing assembly, and the elastic buckle can be released from the housing assembly under the action of a tool.

[0037] Exemplarily, the stress relief piece is mounted on the first locking piece.

[0038] Exemplarily, the strain relief is made of an elastic material.

[0039] Exemplarily, the conductive assembly includes a flexible flat cable, the flexible flat cable includes a mating contact end extending into the housing assembly, a mounting end located outside the housing assembly, and an intermediate section connected between the mating contact end and the mounting end. When the first locking member is in the first locking position, the intermediate section is clamped between the housing assembly and the strain relief member.

[0040] Exemplarily, the middle section is bent under the pressure of the first locking member.

[0041] Exemplarily, the intermediate section is offset relative to the mating contact end toward one side of the housing assembly.

[0042] Exemplarily, the terminal locking assembly also includes a second locking member, which has a second locking position and a second unlocking position, wherein when the second locking member is in the second locking position, the second locking member is connected to the housing assembly and engages with the conductive assembly; and when the second locking member is in the second unlocking position, the second locking member releases the conductive assembly.

[0043] Exemplarily, the conductive assembly includes a flexible flat cable and a reinforcement plate. The flexible flat cable includes a mating contact end extending into the housing assembly, a mounting end located outside the housing assembly, and an intermediate section connected between the mating contact end and the mounting end. The mating contact end is fixed to the reinforcement plate, and an edge of the reinforcement plate is provided with a notch for inserting the second locking member.

[0044] Illustratively, the second capture member is pivotally connected to the housing assembly between a second capture position and a second unlock position.

[0045] Exemplarily, along a lateral direction perpendicular to the mating direction of the connector and the adapting connector, the housing assembly has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, and there are two second locking members, which are symmetrically arranged on the first side and the second side.

[0046] Exemplarily, the housing assembly includes a front housing and a rear housing, and the conductive assembly passes through the rear housing and extends into the front housing.

[0047] Exemplarily, the first locking member is connected to the rear housing, and the second locking member is connected to the front housing.

[0048] Exemplarily, the connector also includes a pivot shaft, one end of which is connected to the front shell, a pivot hole is provided on the second locking member, the pivot shaft is inserted into the pivot hole so as to be pivotable between a second locking position and a second unlocking position, and the rear shell is connected to the front shell, and the rear shell limits the second locking member from disengaging from the pivot shaft at the other end of the pivot shaft.

[0049] Exemplarily, the connector may be a plug connector.

[0050] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a cable connector is provided, comprising a housing assembly and a conductive assembly. The conductive assembly comprises at least one flexible flat cable, each of the at least one flexible flat cable comprising a mating contact end, a mounting end, and an intermediate section connected between the mating contact end and the mounting end. The mating contact end of the at least one flexible flat cable extends into the housing assembly. The mating contact end of the at least one flexible flat cable has a first surface and a second surface. Each of the first surface and the second surface comprises a plurality of contact pads, and the plurality of contact pads are arranged in a row along a first lateral direction. The first surface and the second surface are opposite to each other along a second lateral direction perpendicular to the first lateral direction.

[0051] Illustratively, the conductive component is detachably connected to the housing component.

[0052] Exemplarily, the cable connector also includes a first locking member, which has a first locking position and a first unlocking position, wherein when the first locking member is in the first locking position, the middle section is clamped between the shell component and the first locking member; and when the first locking member is in the first unlocking position, the conductive component is removable from the shell component.

[0053] Exemplarily, the cable connector further comprises a strain relief piece fixed on the first locking piece, and when the first locking piece is in the first locking position, the strain relief piece is clamped between the middle section and the first locking piece.

[0054] Exemplarily, the stress relief piece is mounted on the first locking piece.

[0055] Exemplarily, the strain relief is made of an elastic material.

[0056] Exemplarily, the middle section is bent under the pressure of the first locking member.

[0057] Exemplarily, the intermediate section is offset relative to the mating contact end toward one side of the housing assembly.

[0058] Exemplarily, the first locking member includes an elastic buckle that cooperates with the housing assembly, and the elastic buckle can be released from the housing assembly under the action of a tool.

[0059] Exemplarily, the conductive assembly further includes a reinforcement plate, the mating contact end is fixed to the reinforcement plate, and the reinforcement plate is fixed to the housing assembly.

[0060] Exemplarily, at least one flexible flat cable includes a first flexible flat cable and a second flexible flat cable, the mating contact end of the first flexible flat cable includes a first surface, the mating contact end of the first flexible flat cable also has a third surface, the third surface and the first surface are opposite to each other along a second lateral direction, the mating contact end of the second flexible flat cable includes a second surface, the mating contact end of the second flexible flat cable also has a fourth surface, the fourth surface and the second surface are opposite to each other along the second lateral direction, and the third surface and the fourth surface are arranged opposite to each other.

[0061] Exemplarily, the third surface and the fourth surface are respectively fixed with reinforcement plates, and the reinforcement plates are fixed to the shell assembly.

[0062] Exemplarily, the cable connector also includes a second locking member, which has a second locking position and a second unlocking position, wherein: when the second locking member is in the second locking position, it is connected to the shell assembly, and the second locking member is engaged with the reinforcement plate to fix the reinforcement plate to the shell assembly; and when the second locking member is in the second unlocking position, the second locking member releases the reinforcement plate.

[0063] Exemplarily, a notch is provided at the edge of the reinforcing plate, and the second locking member is inserted into the notch when in the second locking position.

[0064] Exemplarily, the shell assembly includes: a front shell; a pivot shaft, one end of which is connected to the front shell, a pivot hole is provided on the second locking member, and the pivot shaft is inserted into the pivot hole so that the second locking member can pivot between a second locking position and a second unlocking position; and a rear shell, which is connected to the front shell, and the rear shell limits the second locking member from disengaging from the pivot shaft at the other end of the pivot shaft.

[0065] Exemplarily, the cable connector is a plug connector.

[0066] Thereby, a high-density contact pad can be provided, forming a high-density cable.

[0067] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electrical system is provided, which includes any one of the above-mentioned connectors.

[0068] A series of simplified concepts are introduced in the summary of the invention, which will be further described in detail in the detailed description. The summary of the invention does not mean to attempt to define the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor does it mean to attempt to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0069] The advantages and features of the present disclosure are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] The following drawings of the present disclosure are hereby used as part of the present disclosure for understanding the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure and their description are shown in the drawings to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings,

[0071] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic system according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, wherein a plug connector and a socket connector are connected in place;

[0072] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of an electronic system according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, wherein the plug connector and the receptacle connector are disconnected;

[0073] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic system according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, wherein the plug connector and the socket connector are connected in place;

[0074] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0075] Figure 5 is an exploded view of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0076] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B are partial enlarged views of a plug connector in different states according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed;

[0077] Fig. 7A is a partial enlarged view of a plug connector cut along the thickness direction according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed;

[0078] Figure 7B and Figure 7C 1 is a partial rear view of a plug connector in different states according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0079] Fig. 8A is a perspective view of a front housing and a rear housing of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0080] Figure 8B A perspective view of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure with the second member removed;

[0081] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B are three-dimensional views of a first member according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed herein viewed from different directions;

[0082] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B are three-dimensional views of a second member according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed herein viewed from different directions;

[0083] Fig.11A is a perspective view of a third member according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0084] Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C They are partial schematic diagrams of a third component being mounted to a first housing assembly according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed;

[0085] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a portion of a first conductive component according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0086] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a plug connector and a first locking member separated according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0087] Fig.14A is a cross-sectional view of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0088] Fig. 14B is a cross-sectional view of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed at another angle;

[0089] Fig.15A is a perspective view of a first locking member according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed;

[0090] Fig. 15B A perspective view of an assembled first locking member and a stress relief member according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure;

[0091] Fig.16A and Fig. 16B are three-dimensional views of a portion of a plug connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, wherein the second locking member is in a second unlocked position;

[0092] Fig.17 is a perspective view of a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0093] Fig.18 is an exploded view of a socket connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

[0094] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0095] 10. Plug connector; 11. First adapter portion; 12. First tail portion; 100. First conductive component; 111. Flexible flat cable; 111A. Mating contact end; 111B. Mounting end; 111C. Middle section; 112. Reinforcement plate; 113. Contact plate; 114. Notch; 20. Socket connector; 21. Second adapter portion; 200. First housing component; 201. Front housing; 2011. Hole; 2012. Pivot protrusion; 2013. Stopper; 202. Rear housing; 2021. First side surface; 2022. Second side surface; 2023. Third side surface; 2024. Fourth side surface; 20 25, first protrusion; 203, guide groove; 204, first card slot; 205, second card slot; 206, installation channel; 207, fulcrum; 208, blocking member; 209, concave cavity; 211, limit portion; 2111, end portion; 212, slot; 300, connector locking assembly; 310, first member; 311, first body; 3111, cantilever; 3112, wing; 3113, protrusion; 3114, protective portion; 3115, first side wall; 3115A, first opening; 3116, second side wall; 3116A, first engaging portion; 3117, third side wall; 3117A, second engaging portion; 31 18. reinforcing rib; 312. first locking portion; 313. first middle portion; 3131. gap; 314. first supporting portion; 314A. second protrusion; 320. second member; 320A. front portion of second member; 320B. front portion of second member; 321. boss; 322. convex rib; 323. partition; 324. side plate; 330. third member; 331. third locking portion; 3311. barb; 332. third middle portion; 333. third tail portion; 3331. connecting section; 3332. middle section; 3333. end; 3333A. third wing; 334. third opening; 335. step; 336, third limiting portion; 341, first locking position; 342, first release position; 350, terminal locking assembly; 351, first locking member; 3511, stress relief member; 3512, elastic buckle; 352, second locking member; 3521, claw; 3522, raised position; 3523, pivot hole; 400, terminal; 401, electrical contact end; 402, mounting end; 500, second housing assembly; 600, compartment; 610, connector locking adapter; 611, first connector locking adapter; 612, second connector locking adapter; 620, board lock; 630, mortise and tenon structure; 640, spring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] In the following description, a large amount of details are provided so that the present disclosure can be thoroughly understood. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the following description only exemplarily illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure can be implemented without one or more such details. In addition, in order to avoid confusion with the present disclosure, some technical features well known in the art are not described in detail.

[0097] As advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) become more mature, the sensors used in vehicles are becoming more advanced and more diverse. In the context of the rapid development of new energy vehicles, many key systems of vehicles are gradually adopting electronic control. The electronic control system includes a large number of independent modules, each of which can realize functions independently, or multiple modules can cooperate with each other to realize one or more functions. In order to control the operation of the vehicle and detect the conditions of various positions of the vehicle, multiple sensor modules can be assembled to various positions of the vehicle. For this, a method is needed to quickly connect signal lines to these sensor modules, and enable the sensor modules to communicate with the main control device or other modules at a higher rate. The use of electrical connectors is a feasible technical solution. Electrical connectors can greatly reduce the difficulty and cost of assembly, and can quickly connect and disconnect lines during the debugging process and subsequent maintenance.

[0098] As the number of modules increases, the number of connectors required also increases accordingly. Connectors using conventional cables may be difficult to assemble and maintain due to the cables being entangled with each other. In addition, the data transmission rate of each module also places high demands on the cables. The use of flexible flat cables (FFC) can provide a high-density connector. The FFC cable flattens the conductor layer, with multiple flat conductors laid flat on a plane and covered with insulating materials on both surfaces. Since the conductor has a large surface area and a small thickness, it has excellent performance for the transmission of high-frequency signals. The thinner flat structure allows it to bend freely in one direction, or it can be twisted or folded to bend at different angles. The FFC cable can transmit both data signals and power signals, and has excellent compatibility. Shielding materials such as copper foil can be further pasted on the surface of the insulating layer to improve electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance.

[0099] The inventors understand and recognize that although the FFC cable has good electrical properties and low cost, its mechanical properties always have certain defects. In the case of excessive folding, the internal conductor is likely to break. Due to its thickness, the FFC cable may be torn when subjected to shear force in the lateral direction. During long-term use, its ends may cause the conductor to warp or have poor contact due to wear. The inventors also understand and recognize that compared with connectors, FFC cables are consumable parts and their own costs are relatively low. Therefore, during maintenance or repair, it is usually not necessary to replace the plug connector, only the FFC cable needs to be replaced. In this case, users are in urgent need of a simpler method to remove the FFC cable from the connector for maintenance or replacement.

[0100] The inventors also understand and recognize that the structure of a conventional FFC cable is roughly the same from one end to the other, and only a reinforcement plate is pasted on the end of the FFC cable to increase the mechanical strength of the end of the FFC cable. The reinforcement plate can be connected to one side of the end of the FFC cable, and the insulation layer on the other side can be cut off to expose the conductors in the FFC cable as multiple terminals of the connector. In addition, the end of the FFC cable is usually used to maintain a relatively fixed position with the housing assembly of the connector to ensure that it can be fully electrically contacted with another matching connector, so the reinforcement plate also helps to fix the FFC cable to the housing assembly. Optionally, when maintaining an FFC cable with a damaged end, the damaged part of the FFC cable can be shortened, and part of the insulation layer of the intact part can be peeled off, and the reinforcement plate can be pasted again to complete the repair. As a result, the maintenance cost can be greatly reduced without the need to replace parts.

[0101] The inventors also understand and recognize the design of a connector with a detachable FFC cable. The connector adopts a new terminal locking assembly (TPA) for quickly and easily locking the FFC cable to the housing assembly of the connector or removing it from the housing assembly. The user can select the FFC cable of appropriate length as needed, and install it to the connector (usually a plug connector) through simple operation. In later maintenance, the FFC cable can also be removed and replaced with a new FFC cable, or the FFC cable with less damage can be repaired by a simple method. In some embodiments, the terminal locking assembly may include a first locking member and a stress relief member disposed on the first locking member. The first locking member may be rigid and used to be fixed to the housing assembly. The stress relief member is disposed on the surface of the first locking member and is used to squeeze the FFC cable together with the housing assembly. The housing assembly is usually also rigid, and if the FFC cable is clamped by the first locking member and the housing assembly, the FFC cable may be damaged. Therefore, a stress relief member is provided on the first locking member to ensure that the FFC cable is firmly fixed to the housing assembly while avoiding damage to the FFC cable.

[0102] As described above, the portion of the FFC cable having the reinforcement plate has a certain rigidity, while the other portion is flexible. Compared with the connection portion between the reinforcement plate and the end of the FFC cable, the flexible portion of the FFC cable can withstand a larger tensile force. In some embodiments, the first locking piece can be located on the flexible portion of the FFC cable. In this way, when the FFC cable is subjected to tension, the external force will be mainly concentrated on the flexible portion and borne by the insulating layer of the FFC cable. Optionally, the flexible portion of the FFC cable can be bent between the first locking piece and the housing assembly to increase the friction between them so that the FFC cable is reliably fixed on the housing assembly. Along the lateral direction of the housing assembly, the first locking piece can be installed on the housing assembly from one side and cause the FFC cable to bend toward the opposite side of the housing assembly, so that a large enough space can be left on the housing assembly to install a relatively large first locking piece, and it is not necessary to increase the size of the housing assembly along the lateral direction. The large size of the first locking piece means that it can have sufficient mechanical strength and can facilitate user operation (such as installation and removal). Optionally, the first locking member is locked to the housing assembly by an elastic buckle, which can be unlocked by a tool to prevent the FFC cable from being subjected to a large pulling force, causing the bent section to have a tendency to straighten and force the first locking member to detach from the housing assembly.

[0103] The inventors also understand and recognize that a second locking member can also be provided to fix the reinforcement plate to the housing assembly. The second locking member can share the tension on the FFC cable, and can also maintain the position of the terminals on the reinforcement plate relative to the housing assembly. During the plug-in process of the electrical connector and another matching electrical connector, the reinforcement plate will not retract into the housing assembly due to friction. Optionally, a notch can be provided on the edge of the reinforcement plate, and the second locking member can be inserted into the notch to fix the reinforcement plate. Optionally, the second locking member can be pivotally connected to the housing assembly. When the second locking member is pivoted to the position of locking the reinforcement plate, it may not protrude from the outer surface of the housing assembly. Optionally, a protruding latch can be provided on the second locking member, so that the second locking member can be engaged with the housing assembly when it is in the locked position. When unlocking the second locking member, it is not necessary to rely on tools.

[0104] On the other hand, since the connector is used on a vehicle, it is necessary to cope with complex and harsh environments such as vibration of the vehicle and extrusion and impact of surrounding cables. In this regard, the connector may include a connector locking assembly (CPA) to prevent the connector from accidentally disconnecting from another matching connector. The inventor also understands and recognizes a new design of a connector locking assembly. The connector locking assembly requires a user to perform a multi-level unlocking operation when unlocking. The connector locking assembly may include a first component, a second component, and a third component. The second component can be locked and unlocked by operating the first component, and the third component can be locked and unlocked by operating the second component when the second component is unlocked. The third component can be locked and unlocked between two matching connectors. When the second component is in its locked position, it engages with the first component and cannot be operated. When the second component is in its released position, it can just unlock the third component. Therefore, after the first component and the second component are unlocked successively, the third component is unlocked, and the two connectors can be separated at this time. In this way, although the reliability of the connector locking assembly is increased, it does not obviously cause the unlocking operation to become more complicated. Optionally, a fourth component may be provided on the first component and the third component to further increase the reliability of the connector locking assembly. In this case, the user may be required to perform three unlocking operations.

[0105] In addition, during long-term use, a certain level of lock in the connector lock assembly may fail due to vibration, pulling, etc. The above connector lock assembly prevents the connector from being completely separated for a short period of time when one level of lock is damaged, thereby preventing serious accidents caused by accidental disconnection of the connector in the key part of the vehicle.

[0106] In some embodiments, the first member may include a first operating portion. The first member is movable along a first direction to unlock the second member. The first operating portion may be configured to require a user to apply external forces in two different directions in succession to unlock the first member. Exemplarily, a limiting portion may be provided on the housing assembly. When the first member is in its locked position, the first operating portion may abut against the end of the limiting portion, and the user may operate the first operating portion along a second direction different from the first direction so that the first operating portion passes over the end of the limiting portion, and then moves the first operating portion along the first direction. The movement of the first operating portion along the first direction may drive the first member to move as a whole, thereby completing the unlocking of the first member. Optionally, during the movement of the first member along the first direction toward its release position, the first operating portion may slide on the limiting portion. In this way, when the first member needs to be reset toward its locked position, as long as the first operating portion is pushed along the first direction, the first operating portion can automatically return to its initial position when it moves to the end of the limiting portion.

[0107] Optionally, the connector locking components can be arranged in pairs and located on both sides of the housing component. In this way, a uniform locking force can be provided between the other matching connectors. Optionally, the second component can be configured to be moved to a release position that unlocks the third component by being pressed toward the inside of the housing component. Thus, after the user presses the second component, the connector can be removed from the matching connector.

[0108] The inventors also understand and appreciate a design of a housing assembly to provide an economical and efficient assembly of a connector locking assembly and / or a terminal locking assembly with a housing assembly. In some embodiments, the housing assembly may include a front housing proximate to the adapter connector and a rear housing away from the adapter connector. Exemplarily, for the connector locking assembly, the second member may be mounted on the front housing, the rear portions of the first member and the third member may be fixed to the rear housing, but the front portions of the first member and the third member extend to the front housing. The front portion of the first member extends to the front housing for mating with the second member, and the front portion of the third member extends to the front housing for mating with the adapter connector. Exemplarily, the first locking piece may be mounted on the rear housing. The front housing and the rear housing are connected to each other and may be used to install the second locking piece in place.

[0109] Figures 1 to 3 A part of an electronic system such as used in an automobile is shown, which is used to interconnect multiple electronic devices in the electronic system. As shown in the figure, the electronic system may include a plug connector 10 and a socket connector 20 that are mutually adapted and detachably connected to each other. The socket connector 20 may be installed on a circuit board (not shown). The plug connector 10 may be connected with a cable. The plug connector 10 may be electrically connected to an electronic device such as another circuit board via a cable to allow the electronic device to have a certain distance from the circuit board. The cable may include a flexible flat cable (Flexible Flat Cable, FFC) mentioned below. The plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 may provide interconnection between the electronic device and the circuit board. Typically, the circuit board equipped with the socket connector 20 may be fixed on another electronic device. In a harsh environment such as that presented by an automobile, the electronic system may provide the transmission of a data signal and / or a power signal while being subjected to vibration.

[0110] Figure 2 , Figures 4 to 5The structure of the plug connector 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown from different aspects respectively. For the sake of clarity and conciseness of the description, a mating direction XX, a first lateral direction YY and a second lateral direction ZZ are defined. The mating direction XX is the direction in which the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 mate with each other. The mating direction XX includes an insertion direction of the plug connector 10 into the socket connector 20 and a removal direction of the plug connector 10 from the socket connector 20, and the insertion direction and the removal direction are opposite. The first lateral direction YY and the second lateral direction ZZ are both perpendicular to the mating direction XX and the first lateral direction YY and the second lateral direction ZZ are perpendicular to each other, wherein the first lateral direction YY can be considered as the width direction of the plug connector 10 and the second lateral direction ZZ can be considered as the thickness direction of the plug connector 10.

[0111] The plug connector 10 may include a first conductive component 100. The first conductive component 100 may include a flexible flat cable 111, and the flexible flat cable 111 may include a plurality of contact pads 113. When the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 are mated, the plurality of contact pads 113 of the plug connector 10 and the plurality of terminals 400 of the socket connector 20 may be in electrical contact one by one to transmit signals and / or power between the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20. The first conductive component 100 may be retained on the first housing component 200 of the plug connector 10. Exemplarily, the plurality of contact pads 113 may be gold fingers formed on the flexible flat cable 111. Exemplarily, the first conductive component 100 may include a plurality of terminals, each of which may be a separate metal piece, and may be respectively mounted in a corresponding mounting channel on the first housing component 200. Exemplarily, the first housing component 200 may be molded from an insulating material such as plastic. The plastic may include, but is not limited to, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high temperature nylon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO) or polypropylene (PP), or other materials may be used. In some cases, the plastic may be a thermosetting plastic. In some cases, the insulating plastic may include insulating materials such as glass fiber reinforced.

[0112] The plug connector 10 may include a connector locking assembly (CPA) 300. In the illustrated embodiment, two groups of connector locking assemblies 300 are included. The two groups of connector locking assemblies 300 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the first housing assembly 200 along the first lateral direction YY, and they are mirror images of each other in structure. Therefore, for the sake of clarity and simplicity of description, one group of connector locking assemblies 300 is taken as an example for detailed description below.

[0113] The connector locking assembly 300 may include a first member 310, a second member 320, and a third member 330. The first member 310 is in a first locking position 341 (see Fig. 6A ) and the first release position 342 (see Figure 6B ). The first member 310 is configured to cooperate with the first housing assembly 200 and lock the second member 320 when in the first locking position 341. The first member 310 is also configured to uncouple from the first housing assembly 200 and release the second member 320 when in the first release position 342. The second member 320 is configured to be locked in the second locking position (see Fig. 6A ) and a second release position (e.g., in cooperation with the third member 330) Figure 6B The third member 330 is configured to be movable between a third locking position in which the matching socket connector 20 can be locked and a third releasing position in which the socket connector 20 is released in cooperation with the second member 320.

[0114] Exemplarily, the plug connector 10 may include a first adapter portion 11 and a first tail portion 12. The first adapter portion 11 is structurally complementary to the second adapter portion 21 of the socket connector 20, so that the contact disk 113 can be accurately aligned with the terminal 400 after the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 are plugged in. The first conductive component 100 can extend from the first adapter portion 11 to the first tail portion 12. The first tail portion 12 is used to be mounted to an electronic device such as a circuit board, or to extend the first conductive component 100 such as a cable to connect to the electronic device. In the illustrated embodiment, the first adapter portion 11 and the first tail portion 12 are relatively arranged along the mating direction XX. In other embodiments not shown, as required, the first adapter portion 11 and the first tail portion 12 can be perpendicular to each other or at any other suitable angle.

[0115] The third member 330 can lock the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 together when it is in the third locked position. The third member 330 has the ability to remain in the third locked position. Exemplarily, the third member 330 can be maintained in the third locked position by its own biasing force or the biasing force from other members. The third member 330 can be unlocked by being moved to the third release position by the second member 320, and the movement of the second member 320 is restricted by the first member 310. When the first member 310 is in the first locked position 341, the first member 310 locks the second member 320 in the second locked position, and the second member 320 in the second locked position cannot engage with the third member 330 and release the third member 330. The first member 310 can be moved to the first release position 342 based on user operation, thereby moving the second member 320 to the second release position. When it is desired to unlock the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 connected to each other (see Fig. 6A ), firstly, the first member 310 is moved to the first release position 342 (see Figure 6B ), and then the second member 320 is moved to (for example, pressed to the right side) the second release position, so that the third member 330 is pressed against the second member 320 and moved to the third release position, so that the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 can be separated. In this way, the plug connector 10 can be prevented from being accidentally removed from the socket connector 20 in a complex environment, such as when it is vibrated, impacted, or entangled by cables.

[0116] For example, Figure 2 and Figures 9A to 9B As shown, the first member 310 may include a first body 311 and a first locking portion 312 for cooperating with the second member 320. The first body 311 may include a first operating portion C operable by a user. The first operating portion C may be operated to move the first member 310 between a first locking position 341 and a first release position 342 along a first direction, thereby driving the first locking portion 312 to move along the first direction. The first locking portion 312 locks the second member 320 when the first member 310 is in the first locking position 341 and releases the second member 320 when the first member 310 is in the first release position 342.

[0117] Fig. 6A The first member 310 is shown in a first locked position 341; Figure 6B The first member 310 is shown in a first release position 342 to release the second member 320. As shown, the first direction may be parallel to the mating direction XX. Fig. 6A As shown, when the first member 310 is in the first locking position 341, the first locking portion 312 on the first member 310 can abut against the second member 320 toward the outside of the first housing assembly 200, for example, against the rib 322 on the second member 320, thereby preventing the rib 322 from engaging with the third member 330, and the third member 330 can be maintained in its third locking position. When the first member 310 moves to the first release position 342 along the first direction under the action of the first operating portion C, as shown in FIG. Figure 6BAs shown, the first locking portion 312 on the first member 310 is staggered with the rib 322 of the second member 320. When the second member 320 is subjected to a force along the first lateral direction YY (e.g., to the right), the second member 320 can move to the second release position, thereby pressing against the third member 330, so that the third member 330 can be forced to move to the third release position. In other words, the first locking portion 312 of the first member 310 can be engaged and disengaged with the second member 320, and the second member 320 is correspondingly locked and released. The second member 320 is in the second locking position when engaged with the first member 310, and is in the second release position when engaged with the third member 330. In other embodiments, the second member 320 may not include the rib, and the first locking portion 312 of the first member 310 can also lock and unlock the second member 320 by blocking any suitable part of the second member 320.

[0118] For example, Fig.9A As shown, the first member 310 may further include a first intermediate portion 313, and the first intermediate portion 313 is connected between the first locking portion 312 and the first body 311. The first member 310 may include a first supporting portion 314, and the first locking portion 312 may be a protrusion disposed on the first supporting portion 314. The first intermediate portion 313 is connected between the first body 311 and the first supporting portion 314. The rib 322 for cooperating with the first locking portion 312 of the first member 310 may be disposed at the front portion 320A of the second member 320, see Fig. 10B, the rear portion 320B of the second member 320 can abut against, for example, the first housing assembly 200 and / or the first member 310. Along the mating direction XX, the front portion 320A of the second member 320 faces the socket connector 20, and the rear portion 320B faces away from the socket connector 20. Exemplarily, the first middle portion 313 of the first member 310 can abut against the rear portion 320B of the second member 320 toward the outside of the first housing assembly 200. When the first member 310 is in the first locking position 341, the first locking portion 312 of the first member 310 also abuts against the second member 320 on the inside, so that the second member 320 is subjected to a force in the first lateral direction YY, which does not cause the third member 330 to move to the third release position. When the first member 310 moves to the first release position 342 along the first direction, the first locking portion 312 and the first intermediate portion 313 of the first member 310 can release the restrictions on the rib 322 and the rear portion 320B of the second member 320, respectively, so that the second member 320 can move toward the inside of the first housing assembly 200 as a whole under the force of the first lateral direction YY and squeeze the third member 330, so that the third member 330 moves to the third release position. Optionally, along the first lateral direction YY, the rear portion 320B of the second member 320 can also be limited by the first housing assembly 200 to keep the position substantially unchanged. In this case, only the front portion 320A of the second member 320 can be pressed inward to move it to the second release position.

[0119] The first housing assembly 200 can be used to limit the second member 320 along the direction toward the outside of the first housing assembly 200 to prevent the second member 320 from being separated from the first housing assembly 200. The second member 320 is limited between the first member 310 and the first housing assembly 200.

[0120] Exemplarily, the first operating part C can be maintained in the initial position by friction. When the first operating part C is in the initial position, the first member 310 is maintained in the first locking position 341. When it is necessary to move the first member 310 to its first release position 342, an external force along the first direction that can overcome the above-mentioned friction can be applied to the first operating part C. Based on this, in addition to being parallel to the above-mentioned mating direction XX, the first direction can also be parallel to the first lateral direction YY, or parallel to any direction between the mating direction XX and the first lateral direction YY, as long as the first locking part 312 of the first member 310 can be moved in the direction away from the rib 322 of the second member 320. When designing the value of the above-mentioned friction, it is necessary to consider the working environment of the plug connector 10 to avoid external forces in the environment causing the first operating part C to accidentally overcome the friction and be moved.

[0121] Exemplarily, the first operating part C is in the initial position (see Figure 7B) and the first operating position (see Figure 7C ) between the first direction and the second direction. The second direction may be different from the first direction. The principle of the present application will be described below by taking the first direction being parallel to the mating direction XX as an example. When the first operating portion C is in the initial position, the limiting portion 211 on the first housing assembly 200 blocks the first operating portion C along the first direction, so that the first member 310 remains in the first locking position 341. In this way, the first member 310 can be further prevented from being accidentally unlocked. Fig. 6A and 7A to 7C When the first member 310 is in the first locking position 341 and the first operating part C is not operated, a portion of the first operating part C interferes with the limiting part 211 on the first housing assembly 200, thereby being restricted in the first locking position 341. When the first operating part C is subjected to an external force in the second direction (the first lateral direction YY in the figure), the first operating part C can move toward the inside of the first housing assembly 200 to the first operating position, so that the aforementioned interfering portion of the first operating part C can avoid the first housing assembly 200.

[0122] For example, the first housing assembly 200 may be provided with a mounting channel 206 extending along a first direction (eg, a mating direction XX) (see FIG. Fig. 8A ). The first member 310 is movably mounted to the mounting channel 206 between a first locking position and a first release position along a first direction. The mounting channel 206 at least limits the movement of the first member 310 in the first direction. The second member 320 and the third member 330 are both mounted to the mounting channel 206. The first operating portion C has an inner portion accommodated in the mounting channel 206 and an outer portion extending out of the mounting channel 206. The outer portion can be touched by a user for operation. A limiting portion 211 such as a protrusion can be provided on the side wall of the mounting channel 206. The limiting portion 211 can limit the first operating portion C to an initial position, such as Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As shown. Optionally, the limiting portion 211 can limit the first operating portion C to the first operating position. Exemplarily, the inner portion of the first operating portion C can be in a "convex" shape when viewed from the rear. When the first operating portion C is in the first operating position, the first operating portion C is unblocked from the limiting portion 211 to move to the section of the installation channel 206 where the limiting portion 211 is located, refer to Figure 7C , so the first member 310 can be moved to the first release position 342 along the first direction (e.g., the mating direction XX). The side wall of the mounting channel 206 can be provided with a first protrusion 2025, and the first member 310 is provided with a second protrusion 314A. When the first member 310 is in the first release position 342, the first protrusion 2025 and the second protrusion 314A abut against each other. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8B and FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B The width of the first support portion 314 may be greater than the width of the first middle portion 313 , thereby forming a second protrusion 314A. The first protrusion 2025 may be formed by the rear housing 202 protruding into the installation channel 206 .

[0123] Exemplarily, the limiting portion 211 may include a shorter protrusion along the first direction (e.g., the mating direction XX). When the first member 310 moves to the first release position 342, the first operating portion C may pass over the limiting portion 211. When the force acting on the first operating portion C disappears, the first operating portion C may return to its initial position under the action of its own elastic force or external elastic force. Thus, the first operating portion C may be restricted by the limiting portion 211, so that the first member 310 remains in the first release position 342, unless the first operating portion C is operated again so that it can pass over the limiting portion 211 again in the direction opposite to the unlocking direction and return to the first locking position 341.

[0124] For example, the limiting portion 211 may extend along a first direction (eg, the mating direction XX) to a relatively long length. When the first operating portion C is in an initial state, it abuts against the end portion 2111 of the limiting portion 211. Fig. 7AAs shown, when the first operating portion C is in the first operating position, it passes over the end 2111 of the limiting portion 211 and can slide along the limiting portion 211, so that the first member 310 moves to the first release position 342. Exemplarily, the length of the limiting portion 211 along the matching direction XX may be not less than the distance between the first locking position 341 and the first release position 342. The limiting portion 211 may be in the shape of a long strip. In the process of unlocking the first member 310, for example, along the extraction direction in the matching direction XX, that is, moving the first member 310 from the first locking position 341 to the first release position 342, the first operating portion C first passes over the end 2111 of the limiting portion 211, and then always slides in contact with the surface of the limiting portion 211, so that when the first member 310 is in the first release position 342, the first operating portion C still remains in the first operating position. In this way, when the user restores the plug connector 10, the user can directly push the first member 310 along the insertion direction in the mating direction XX, so that it returns from the first release position 342 to the first locking position 341, without applying pressure to the first operating part C again. In an embodiment not shown, the width of the limiting part can gradually decrease along the direction of unlocking the first member 310, so that the surface of the limiting part that the first operating part C slides in contact with is an inclined surface. When the first member 310 is located at the first release position 342, the first operating part C can be at any position between the initial position and the first operating position, and the first operating part C can be parked on the small-sized end of the limiting part. When the first member 310 moves from the first release position 342 to the first locking position 341, the inclined surface of the limiting part can form a guide for the first operating part C. When the first operating part C moves to the large-sized end of the limiting part, the first operating part C is in the first operating position, and is restricted to the first locking position 341 again after crossing the large-sized end of the limiting part. In short, by properly setting the limiting portion 211 , the operation of plugging and unplugging the plug connector 10 can be simplified, thereby improving the user experience.

[0125] Optionally, the first shell assembly 200 may also be provided with other limiting parts to limit the first component 310 when the first component 310 moves to the first release position 342 to prevent the user from pulling the first component 310 off the first shell assembly 200 with excessive force.

[0126] Exemplarily, the first operating portion C may include a cantilever 3111 and a pair of wings 3112. The pair of wings 3112 protrude outward from both sides of the free end of the cantilever 3111. The limiting portions 211 are arranged in pairs to block the pair of wings 3112 along the first direction. Fig.9A and Fig. 9BIn the embodiment shown in the figure, the cantilever 3111 can be integrally formed on the first member 310, in which case the first member 310 can be molded from an insulating material such as plastic. The plastic may include but is not limited to liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high temperature nylon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO) or polypropylene (PP), or other materials may be used. In some cases, the plastic may be a thermosetting plastic. In some cases, the plastic may include materials such as glass fiber reinforcement. In some embodiments, the cantilever 3111 may not be integrally formed with the first member 310, and the cantilever 3111 may be connected to other parts of the first member 310 by secondary molding, bonding, etc. A pair of wings 3112 may be opposite to each other along the second lateral direction ZZ. A pair of wings 3112 may cooperate with a pair of limit portions 211 of the first shell assembly 200. Combined with reference FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B ,as well as 7A to 7C When the first member 310 is in the first locking position 341, the pair of wing portions 3112 are blocked by the corresponding limiting portions 211. For example, to prevent the wing portion 3112 from breaking, a reinforcing rib 3118 (such as Fig. 9B As shown). The cantilever 3111 has a certain elasticity, and the free end of the cantilever 3111 can move slightly to drive the wing 3112 to move in the first lateral direction YY. When subjected to a force along the first lateral direction YY, the wing 3112 can move toward the inside of the first shell assembly 200 to avoid the limiting portion 211; when the force acting on the first operating portion C disappears, the wing 3112 returns to the initial position under the elastic force of the cantilever 3111. Of course, after the free end of the cantilever 3111 is subjected to an external force, it can also rely on an external elastic member to return to the initial position. The first operating portion C in the form of a cantilever 3111 has the advantages of simple structure and convenient processing. By providing a pair of limiting portions 211 to cooperate with a pair of wings 3112, the force applied to each wing 3112 can be dispersed. As a result, the first member 310 is not easily damaged when it is restricted to its first locking position. For example, when the first operating portion C has not reached the first operating position, even if the first component 310 is pulled accidentally, the wing portion 3112 will not be broken.

[0127] Exemplarily, the outer surface of the first operating portion C has a protrusion 3113 protruding from the outer surface of the first body 311. A protruding protection portion 3114 is provided on the outer surface of the first body 311, and the protection portion 3114 is provided around the protrusion 3113. Figure 2 , 7A to 7C It can be understood that when the user operates the first operating part C, the user needs to press the free end of the cantilever 3111 of the first operating part C, so as to make the first operating part C reach the first operating position (see Figure 7C ). For the convenience of user operation, the protrusion 3113 can be set at the free end of the cantilever 3111, so that it is convenient for the user to press and operate. In other embodiments, the protrusion 3113 can also be set at other positions of the cantilever 3111 near the free end. Figure 2 As shown, in order to prevent the cantilever 3111 and the protrusion 3113 from being broken due to external force during the use of the plug connector 10, a protective portion 3114 can be provided. The protective portion 3114 may include a structure similar in shape to the protrusion 3113. When the plug connector 10 is hit, the protective portion 3114 can prevent the protrusion 3113 and the cantilever 3111 from being impacted to a certain extent. During the user operation, the protective portion 3114 can also prevent the user from further pressing the protrusion 3113 when the user presses the protrusion 3113 to the first operating portion C to reach the first operating position, thereby preventing the first operating portion C from rubbing against the first housing assembly 200, or the cantilever 3111 from being excessively bent and broken. The protective portion 3114 can also prevent the free end of the cantilever 3111 from being misoperated to a certain extent.

[0128] For example, in conjunction with reference Figure 4 , Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B and Fig.11A , the third member 330 may further include a protruding third limiting portion 336, the third limiting portion 336 abuts against the second member 320 along the direction in which the plug connector 10 is removed from the socket connector 20, preventing the third member 330 from retracting into the first housing assembly 200. Exemplarily, the third limiting portion 336 may be disposed on two opposite sides of the third member 330 along the second lateral direction ZZ. The rib 322 may be connected between a pair of side plates 324, and along the direction toward the interior of the first housing assembly 200, the side plate 324 may protrude from the rib 322, and the third member 330 may be located between the pair of side plates 324, thereby limiting the third member 330 in the second lateral direction ZZ. In addition, along the direction in which the plug connector 10 is removed, the third limiting portion 336 may also abut against the pair of side plates 324. In this way, when the plug connector 10 is inserted into the socket connector 20 , the third member 330 can be prevented from being subjected to friction and retreating into the first housing assembly 200 against the mating direction XX, resulting in failure to reliably lock the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 .

[0129] For example, along the mating direction XX, the third member 330 can be fixed in place by the second member 320 and the first housing assembly 200. Figure 1 and Fig.11A, the third member 330 may include a third locking portion 331 and a third tail portion 333. The third locking portion 331 and the third tail portion 333 are respectively located at opposite ends of the third member 330. The third locking portion 331 can lock and release the socket connector 20. Exemplarily, the third locking portion 331 may include a barb 3311. The third locking portion 331 may be biased outwardly so that the barb 3311 on the third locking portion 331 may lock with the connector locking adapter 610 of the socket connector 20. During the process of inserting the plug connector 10 into the socket connector 20, the barb 3311 may slide along the inner surface of the socket connector 20. After the plug connector 10 is inserted into place, the barb 3311 may engage with the connector locking adapter 610 of the socket connector 20 to prevent the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 from being accidentally disconnected. When the third locking portion 331 is pressed toward the inside of the first housing assembly 200 , the barb 3311 is separated from the connector locking adapter portion 610 of the socket connector 20 , so that the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 can be separated from each other.

[0130] The third member 330 may further include a third middle portion 332 connected between the third locking portion 331 and the third tail portion 333. The width of the third middle portion 332 is smaller than the width of the third locking portion 331, so that the aforementioned step 335 may be formed between the two. In addition, the width of the third middle portion 332 is smaller than the width of at least a portion of the third tail portion 333. As will be described later, the at least a portion of the third tail portion 333 may limit the third member 330 in a direction toward the socket connector 20. In conjunction with the step 335 that limits the third member 330 in a direction away from the socket connector 20, the third member 330 may be retained on the first housing assembly 200. Return to reference Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The first intermediate portion 313 of the first member 310 may be provided with a gap 3131, and the third intermediate portion 332 may be provided through the gap 3131. The first locking portion 312 of the first member 310 is expected to engage with the second member 320 from the inside of the third member 330 to the outside. Fig. 6AAs shown, the first support portion 314 where the first locking portion 312 is located is located on the inner side of the third member 330. The first body 311 of the first member 310 includes a first operating portion C that needs to be operated by the user, and the first body 311 is expected to be located at the outer surface of the first shell assembly 200, so the first body 311 is located on the outer side of the third member 330. Based on this, the first member 310 and the third member 330 can be cross-arranged so that the third member 330 passes through the gap 3131 on the first member 310. Exemplarily, the width of the third middle portion 332 can be adapted to the width of the gap 3131, so that the first middle portion 313 can also limit the third member 330 along the second lateral direction ZZ. For example, the width of the third middle portion 332 of the third member 330 can be slightly smaller than the gap 3131 of the first middle portion 313. The width of at least a portion of the third locking portion 331 and the third tail portion 333 of the third member 330 may be greater than the width of the third middle portion 332 and also greater than the width of the gap 3131 of the first middle portion 313. Thus, the third member 330 may be installed on the first middle portion 313 through the gap 3131.

[0131] Exemplarily, the first middle portion 313 may include a pair of beams, each of which has two ends connected to the first locking portion 312 and the first body 311. The pair of beams are spaced apart along a second lateral direction ZZ perpendicular to the mating direction XX to form a gap 3131. In this case, the rear portion 320B of the second member 320 may be provided with a partition 323. The partition 323 may be spaced apart from a pair of side plates 324 to form a pair of gaps. The pair of gaps are located on both sides of the partition 323, such as Fig. 10B As shown, a pair of beams of the first middle portion 313 can be inserted into the pair of gaps respectively, so that the first component 310 and the second component 320 can guide each other to ensure accurate alignment.

[0132] Exemplarily, the gap 3131 may extend to the first support portion 314 to extend the length of the gap 3131. Preferably, the gap 3131 may not extend to the first body 311 to ensure the integrity of the first body 311 connected to the outer surface of the first housing assembly 200. The longer gap 3131 allows the wider third locking portion 331 and / or the third tail portion 333 of the third member 330 to pass through, so that before the third member 330 and the first member 310 are installed on the first housing assembly 200, the third member 330 can be erected and passed through the gap 3131, and then rotated 90 degrees relative to the first member 310 to form a cross-mounted state. Regardless of whether the gap 3131 extends to the first support portion 314, the front portion of the first support portion 314 is continuous, so that the first locking portion 312 can be set on the front portion of the first support portion 314. The first locking portion 312 passes through the third opening 334 on the third member 330 and locks the second member 320. For the third member 330 , the third opening 334 is located in the middle thereof to ensure its mechanical strength. Therefore, it is desirable that the first locking portion 312 is located on the continuous front portion of the first supporting portion 314 to be aligned with the third opening 334 in position.

[0133] Exemplarily, the third member 330 can be made of a metal sheet. Therefore, the third member 330 can be made thinner so that it has sufficient mechanical strength and can have a certain elasticity. The elasticity is used to deform the third member 330 between the third locking position and the third release position. Preferably, the shape of the third member 330 can be relatively flat, without large turns and protrusions. In this way, it can pass through the gap 3131 of the first middle part 313; and the size of the plug connector 10 can be reduced along the first lateral direction YY. In contrast, the structure of the first member 310 is relatively complex, and it is preferably formed by injection molding to ensure accuracy and reduce costs.

[0134] Exemplarily, the second member 320 can be configured to be pressed to the second release position toward the first housing assembly 200. The second member 320 and the first body 311 of the first member 310 are both components to be operated by the user to trigger the third member 330, and the portion of the third member 330 provided with the barb 3311 can be exposed to the outside so as to be able to extend into the socket connector 20 and lock the socket connector 20. As mentioned above, the first locking portion 312 is also located on the inner side of the second member 320, so that the first locking portion 312 abuts against the second member 320 toward the outer side of the first housing assembly 200 when the first member 310 is in the first locking position 341, so that the second member 320 remains in the second locking position. For the plug connector 10, unlocking by pressing is in line with the usage habits of most users, because after pressing, the two connectors can be separated from each other by applying force directly along the mating direction XX. Therefore, preferably, the second member 320 is designed to reach the second release position when it is subjected to a force pressed toward the first housing assembly 200. The first member 310 can be pressed against the second member 320 through the first locking portion 312, so that the second member 320 cannot be pressed to the second release position when the first member 310 has not reached the first release position 342. When pressing the second member 320, the pressure on the first locking portion 312 can also be transmitted to the first housing assembly 200, thereby preventing the first member 310 from being damaged when the pressing force is large.

[0135] As can be seen from the above description, the benefit of the first direction being parallel to the mating direction XX is that the length of the first housing assembly 200 along the mating direction XX can be used to provide space for the first member 310 to move, while the space in the first lateral direction YY is reserved for the operation of the second member 320. Pressing the second member 320 along the first lateral direction YY to unlock the socket connector 20 is more in line with the user's usage habits. The user can unplug the plug connector 10 while pressing the second member 320, which is more convenient.

[0136] For example, continue to refer to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B, the third opening 334 on the third member 330 can extend along the first direction (e.g., the mating direction XX), and the first locking portion 312 passes through the third opening 334 to mate with the second member 320. When the first member 310 moves between the first locking position 341 and the first release position 342, the first locking portion 312 slides along the third opening 334. When the second member 320 is in the second release position, pressure can be applied to the third member 330 so that the third member 330 can reach the third release position. Therefore, the first locking portion 312 needs to prevent the second member 320 from applying inward pressure to the third member 330 when the first member 310 is in the first locking position 341. At the same time, the first locking portion 312 also needs to enable the second member 320 to apply pressure to the third member 330 when the first member 310 is in the first release position 342, so that the third member 330 moves to the third release position. As shown in the figure, exemplarily, the first locking portion 312 can abut against the second member 320 when the first member 310 is located at the first locking position 341, and the first locking portion 312 can no longer abut against the second member 320 when the first member 310 is located at the first release position 342; at the same time, the first locking portion 312 does not contact the third member 330, so as not to restrict the movement of the third member 330. A more preferred solution is to set a third opening 334 on the third member 330, and the third member 330 avoids the first locking portion 312 through the third opening 334. In this way, the third member 330 will not interfere with the first member 310, so as not to affect the operation of the third member 330 by the second member 320. When the first member 310 is in the first locking position 341, the second member 320 can press against the first locking portion 312, and then the third member 330 will not be unlocked.

[0137] Specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, the first locking portion 312 may protrude from the outer surface of the third member 330 through the third opening 334, and when the first member 310 is in the first locking position 341 and the second member 320 is pressed, the first locking portion 312 may prevent the second member 320 from contacting the third member 330. In another exemplary embodiment, the protruding end of the first locking portion 312 may be flush with the outer surface of the third member 330. When the first member 310 is in the first locking position 341 and the second member 320 is pressed, although the second member 320 is in contact with the third member 330, the third member 330 will not move, or the moving distance is not enough to unlock the third locking portion 331. In short, the first locking portion 312 abuts against the second member 320, so that when the first member 310 is in the first locking position 341 and the second member 320 is pressed, the third locking portion 331 will not be unlocked, and the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 will not be accidentally separated.

[0138] For example, FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B As shown, the first body 311 may also include a first side wall 3115. The first operating portion C may be disposed on the first side wall 3115. Exemplarily, a first opening 3115A may be disposed on the first side wall 3115. The first operating portion C is connected to the edge of the first opening 3115A. One end of the first operating portion C in the form of a cantilever 3111 may be connected to the edge of the first opening 3115A, and the other end of the cantilever 3111 is a free end. The free end of the cantilever 3111 extends toward the edge on the opposite side of the first opening 3115A. The protrusion 3113 on the cantilever 3111 may protrude out of the first opening 3115A in a direction toward the outside of the first housing assembly 200, and the wing 3112 on the cantilever 3111 may protrude out of the first opening 3115A toward the inside of the first housing assembly 200. The first body 311 may further include a second side wall 3116 and a third side wall 3117, and the second side wall 3116 and the third side wall 3117 may be relatively arranged on both sides of the first side wall 3115 along a direction perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., the mating direction XX). Thus, the first body 311 may surround the first shell assembly 200 from three sides, thereby improving the connection strength. The second side wall 3116 and the third side wall 3117 are respectively provided with a first snap-fit ​​portion 3116A and a second snap-fit ​​portion 3117A. The first snap-fit ​​portion 3116A and the second snap-fit ​​portion 3117A are slidably connected to the first shell assembly 200 along the mating direction XX. The first snap-fit ​​portion 3116A and the second snap-fit ​​portion 3117A are snap-fitted to the first shell assembly 200 in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. Combined with reference 7A to 7C and FIG. 9A to FIG. 9B , the second side wall 3116 and the third side wall 3117 can be roughly flush with the outer surface of the first housing assembly 200, so that the plug connector 10 is more flat. The first engaging portion 3116A and the second engaging portion 3117A can be buckles extending along the mating direction XX and bending toward each other, respectively. The first housing assembly 200 has a first side surface 2021 and a second side surface 2022 opposite to each other along the second lateral direction ZZ, and a third side surface 2023 and a fourth side surface 2024 opposite to each other along the first lateral direction YY. The first side surface 2021 and the second side surface 2022 can be provided with a first card slot 204 and a second card slot 205, respectively. The first card slot 204 and the second card slot 205 extend along the mating direction XX and are respectively engaged with the first engaging portion 3116A and the second engaging portion 3117A. The buckle and the card slot can not only mount the first member 310 to the first housing assembly 200, but also enable the first member 310 to slide on the first housing assembly 200 along the mating direction XX. Exemplarily, the first member 310 can be inserted into the first housing assembly 200 along the first lateral direction YY. Fig. 8AIn the upper part of the posture shown, the portion of the first side surface 2021 located between the third side surface 2023 and the first slot 204 can be extended obliquely, and similarly, the portion of the second side surface 2022 located between the third side surface 2023 and the first slot 204 can be extended obliquely. Thus, when the first member 310 is installed along the first lateral direction YY, the first engaging portion 3116A and the second engaging portion 3117A of the first member 310 can slide along the inclined surfaces of the first side surface 2021 and the second side surface 2022, respectively, and the inclined surfaces guide the second side wall 3116 and the third side wall 3117 to deform. After the first engaging portion 3116A and the second engaging portion 3117A are respectively engaged in the first slot 204 and the second slot 205, the second side wall 3116 and the third side wall 3117 are restored. Thus, the first member 310 can only be movable along the mating direction XX. It should be noted that before the first component 310 is mounted to the first housing assembly 200 , the wing 3112 and the limiting portion 211 of the first component 310 are staggered along the mating direction XX to prevent the wing 3112 and the limiting portion 211 from being damaged by external force.

[0139] like Fig. 10B As shown, the first housing assembly 200 may include a front housing 201 and a rear housing 202. In this embodiment, the first member 310 is connected to the rear housing 202, so the first card slot 204 and the second card slot 205 mentioned above may be provided on the rear housing 202. Of course, optionally, the first card slot 204 and the second card slot 205 may also extend to the front housing 201 to increase the sliding range of the first member 310. The front housing 201 is closer to the socket connector 20 relative to the rear housing 202. The first adapter portion 11 is formed by the front housing 201, and the first tail portion 12 is formed by the rear housing 202. A plurality of contact pads 113 extend into the front housing 201. Optionally, the first housing assembly 200 may also be an integral piece.

[0140] Exemplarily, along the mating direction XX of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20, the second member 320 is confined between the first housing assembly 200 (e.g., the front housing 201) and the first member 310, or between the front housing 201 and the rear housing 202, or a combination of the above two methods. Fig. 8A and FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B, a pair of side plates 324 of the second member 320 may be provided with bosses 321 respectively, and the front housing 201 may be provided with a blocking member 208. Exemplarily, the blocking member 208 may be L-shaped, and when the second member 320 can be mounted to the front housing 201 from the rear, the L-shaped blocking member 208 includes a first side substantially parallel to the mating direction XX and a second side substantially perpendicular to the first side. The second side may block the bosses 321 of the second member 320 to prevent the second member 320 from falling off from the front of the plug connector 10 along the mating direction XX. When the first member 310 is located at the first locking position 341, the rear end of the second member 320 may abut against the first middle portion 313 or the first body 311 of the first member 310, or abut against the rear housing 202, so that the second member 320 cannot move in the mating direction XX.

[0141] Exemplarily, along the first lateral direction YY perpendicular to the mating direction XX, the second member 320 is confined between the first housing assembly 200 and the first member 310. The L-shaped blocking member 208 can enclose a concave cavity 209, and the boss 321 of the second member 320 is embedded in the concave cavity 209. Thus, the blocking member 208 can limit the range of motion of the second member 320 along the first lateral direction YY, preventing the second member 320 from falling off from the first housing assembly 200.

[0142] Since the plug connector 10 needs to be mated with the socket connector 20 along the mating direction XX, for the plug connector 10 that is not a right-angle connector, the second member 320 that needs to be operated can be arranged in the lateral direction to avoid structural interference or conflicts with the mating of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 during operation. Exemplarily, for the plug connector 10 using a cable such as a flexible flat cable (FFC) 111, the size of the plug connector 10 in the second lateral direction ZZ is generally smaller than that in the first lateral direction YY, so the second member 320 is arranged between the first housing assembly 200 and the first member 310 along the first lateral direction YY, which can effectively utilize the internal space of the plug connector 10 and simplify the design.

[0143] Next, the assembly of the third member 330 is described. FIG. 11A to FIG. 11CAs shown, the third tail portion 333 and the third locking portion 331 of the third member 330 are relatively arranged at both ends of the third member 330 along the mating direction XX. As mentioned above, the third tail portion 333 and the third locking portion 331 are connected together through the third middle portion 332, so that the third member 330 is in the shape of an elongated strip as a whole. The third tail portion 333 can be fixed to the first housing assembly 200, and the elongated strip shape is conducive to improving the elasticity of one end where the third locking portion 331 is located, thereby facilitating the third locking portion 331 to move along the first lateral direction YY to lock and unlock the socket connector 20. However, the elongated strip shape may cause the third member 330 to shake along the second lateral direction ZZ, so the third middle portion 332 is designed to penetrate the gap 3131 on the first member 310, and the middle part of the third member 330 can be limited along the second lateral direction ZZ, thereby ensuring that the third locking portion 331 can be aligned and locked with the connector locking adapter on the socket connector 20.

[0144] Exemplarily, the third tail portion 333 can not only fix the third member 330 to the first housing assembly 200, but also bias the third locking portion 331 toward the direction of locking the socket connector 20. Specifically, the third tail portion 333 includes a connecting section 3331, an intermediate section 3332, and an end 3333 that are sequentially connected along the mating direction XX. The connecting section 3331 can be connected to the third locking portion 331 through the third intermediate section 332. The intermediate section 3332 can be biased toward the inside of the first housing assembly 200 (at FIG. 11B to FIG. 11C The end 3333 is bent downward in the posture and abuts against the first housing component 200. The end 3333 faces the outside of the first housing component 200 (upward) and abuts against the first housing component 200. A fulcrum 207 may be provided on the first housing component 200. The fulcrum 207 is, for example, a protrusion provided in the channel 206 in the first housing component 200, see Fig. 7A and Fig. 8A The fulcrum 207 can bias the connecting section 3331 of the third tail portion 333 toward the outside of the first housing assembly 200. FIG. 11A to FIG. 11CAs mentioned above, the third member 330 may have a certain elasticity, and the third tail portion 333 of the third member 330 may be fixed, and a force may be applied thereto to bias the third locking portion 331 outward. In this way, the third member 330 may be kept in the third locking position by its own elastic force, and when the second member 320 applies an inward force thereto, the third member 330 may also move from the third locking position to the third releasing position, thereby achieving locking and unlocking of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20. The connecting section 3331 of the third tail portion 333 abuts against the fulcrum 207 of the first housing assembly 200, and when the middle section 3332 and the end 3333 of the third tail portion 333 are subjected to an inward biasing force, the third locking portion 331 of the third member 330 may be biased outward due to the lever structure. In addition, the middle section 3332 is bent inwardly of the first housing assembly 200 and abuts against the fulcrum 207. When the third member 330 is subjected to a pulling force toward the socket connector 20, the middle section 3332 can be stuck on the fulcrum 207 to prevent the third member 330 from being pulled out, thereby causing the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 to become loose or separated. Furthermore, the first housing assembly 200 squeezes the middle section 3332 and the connecting section 3331 outwardly and squeezes the end 3333 of the third tail portion 333 inwardly, so that the third tail portion 333 of the third member 330 can be fixed on the first housing assembly 200.

[0145] Exemplarily, third wings 3333A may be respectively provided on both sides of the end 3333 of the third tail portion 333. Along the insertion direction of the plug connector 10 into the socket connector 20, the third wings 3333A abut against the first housing assembly 200. The third wings 3333A may protrude from other parts of the third tail portion 333 in the second lateral direction ZZ. A pair of stoppers 2013 may be provided in the first housing assembly 200. The pair of stoppers 2013 may respectively limit the pair of third wings 3333A to prevent the third member 330 from being separated from the first housing assembly 200.

[0146] Exemplarily, when the first housing assembly 200 includes the front housing 201 and the rear housing 202, the first member 310 is mounted to the rear housing 202 and extends into the front housing 201. The second member 320 is mounted between the front housing 201 and the portion of the first member 310 extending into the front housing 201, and the third member 330 is mounted to the rear housing 202 and extends to the front housing 201. Figure 5As described above, the first component 310 is installed to the first housing assembly 200 from the first lateral direction YY, and the third component 330 needs to pass through the gap of the first middle portion 313 and be installed to the first housing assembly 200, so that the third wing portion 3333A of the third tail portion 333 is inserted into the first housing assembly 200, and the connecting section 3331 of the third tail portion 333 abuts against the first housing assembly 200. If an integrated first housing assembly 200 is used, it will be very difficult to install the first component 310, the second component 320 and the third component 330. Therefore, the first housing assembly 200 can be split into the front housing 201 and the rear housing 202, and the two can be separately molded by injection molding, which reduces the difficulty of demolding. After the first component 310, the second component 320, and the third component 330 are respectively installed to the front housing 201 and the rear housing 202, the front housing 201 and the rear housing 202 can be docked together, so that when the front housing 201 and the rear housing 202 are not disconnected, the first component 310, the second component 320, and the third component 330 will not fall off from the first housing assembly 200. For example, the second component 320 is limited by the first housing assembly 200, so that it will not fall off from the first housing assembly 200. The second component 320 is installed to the front housing 201 from the rear of the front housing 201, and then the front housing 201 and the rear housing 202 are assembled together, and the second component 320 can be limited by the rear housing 202. This structure is relatively simple and the cost is low.

[0147] The first conductive component 100 can be fixed to the first housing component 200 by the terminal locking component 350. Figure 5 and Fig.13 . After the first conductive component 100 is inserted into the first housing component 200, the terminal locking component 350 can be installed to the first housing component 200. The terminal locking component 350 may include a first locking member 351. The first locking member 351 has a first locking position and a first unlocking position. When the first locking member 351 is in the first locking position, the first conductive component 100 is clamped between the first housing component 200 and the first locking member 351. When the first locking member 351 is in the first unlocking position, the first conductive component 100 is detachable from the first housing component 200. Exemplarily, a strain relief component 3511 may be fixed to the first locking member 351. When the first locking member 351 is in the first locking position, the strain relief component 3511 may be clamped between the first conductive component 100 and the first locking member 351.

[0148] As described above, illustratively, the plug connector 10 may be a cable connector. Fig.12As shown, the first conductive component 100 may include at least one flexible flat cable (FFC) 111. Each flexible flat cable 111 may include a mating contact end, a mounting end, and an intermediate section. For each flexible flat cable 111, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown, it may include multiple conductors and insulating layers covering the upper and lower sides of these conductors. The insulating layer typically has good flexibility, insulation performance, and has a large tensile strength. At the end of the flexible flat cable 111, the insulating layer on its side (for example, the upper insulating layer in the figure) is removed, or a shorter upper insulating layer is selected when manufacturing the flexible flat cable 111 to expose the ends of the multiple conductors, thereby forming a plurality of contact pads 113. The end where the multiple contact pads 113 are located can be referred to as the mating contact end 111A. The mating contact end 111A can extend into the first shell assembly 200. As shown Figure 4 As shown, the first housing assembly 200 may include a slot 212. The slot 212 is used to receive the matching socket connector 20. The slot 212 may extend along the first lateral direction YY. The mating contact end 111A may extend into the slot 212. Optionally, the slot 212 may not be provided, and the mating contact end 111A is simply inserted into the socket connector 20. The other end of the flexible flat cable 111 may be mounted on any suitable electrical component, such as a circuit board, an electronic device, or another electrical connector, and the other end is referred to as a mounting end 111B, see Figure 1 The mounting end portion 111B is located outside the first housing assembly 200. The mounting end portion 111B and the mating contact end portion 111A may have similar structures. The middle section 111C is connected between the mating contact end portion 111A and the mounting end portion 111B.

[0149] The integral body formed by the mating contact ends 111A of all flexible flat cables 111 has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface and the second surface are opposite along the second lateral direction ZZ. Each of the first surface and the second surface includes a plurality of contact pads 113. The contact pads 113 on each surface can be arranged in a row along the first lateral direction YY. The plurality of contact pads 113 are electrically connected to the second terminals 400 on the socket connector 20, respectively. Thus, a high-density cable connector can be provided. Exemplarily, the insulating layers on both sides of the mating contact end 111A of each flexible flat cable 111 can be removed to form the first surface and the second surface. If there are multiple flexible flat cables 111, they can be arranged along the first lateral direction YY.

[0150] Exemplarily, the connector may include a first flexible flat cable and a second flexible flat cable. The first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable may be stacked along the second lateral direction ZZ. The aforementioned first surface may be formed by the mating contact end of the first flexible flat cable, based on which the mating contact end of the first flexible flat cable also has a third surface, and the third surface and the first surface are opposite along the second lateral direction ZZ. The aforementioned second surface may be formed by the mating contact end of the second flexible flat cable, based on which the mating contact end of the second flexible flat cable also has a fourth surface, and the fourth surface and the second surface are opposite along the second lateral direction. Thus, the third surface and the fourth surface are arranged oppositely and abut against the first housing assembly 200. The insulating layers of the third surface and the fourth surface may not be removed and adhered to the supporting tape 112 to enhance the mechanical strength of the mating contact end 111A. Exemplarily, the third surface and the fourth surface are respectively adhered to their respective reinforcing plates 112. Each reinforcing plate 112 is fixed to the first housing assembly 200. Along the length direction of the flexible flat cable 111, it is not expected that the conductor of the flexible flat cable 111 connected to the reinforcement plate 112 is exposed on one side. The exposed part is mainly for electrical connection with the matching socket connector 20. Therefore, after providing a sufficiently long electrical contact part, the upper insulating layer of the remaining part can be retained to increase the mechanical strength of the first conductive component 100 and extend the service life. Optionally, a plurality of contact plates 113 can also be formed on the reinforcement plate 112 by printing, engraving, etc., and the flexible flat cable 111 is electrically connected to the contact plates 113 accordingly. The reinforcement plate 112 can have a high structural strength, and when installed on the plug connector 10, the flexible flat cable 111 can be fixed.

[0151] When there are multiple first flexible flat cables and multiple second flexible flat cables, the multiple first flexible flat cables can be arranged along the first lateral direction YY, and similarly, the multiple second flexible flat cables can also be arranged along the first lateral direction YY. Of course, there can also be only one first flexible flat cable and one second flexible flat cable.

[0152] like Figure 5As shown, the first housing assembly 200 may be provided with a guide groove 203, which is used to limit and guide the reinforcing plate 112 on the mating contact end 111A, so as to avoid the mating of the mating contact end 111A and the first housing assembly 200 from being skewed. The reinforcing plate 112 can be inserted into a suitable position of the plug connector 10 under the limit of the above-mentioned guide groove 203. Then, the first conductive component 100 is fixed to the first housing assembly 200 by the terminal locking component 350. The first conductive component 100 is detachably connected to the plug connector 10. Taking the first conductive component 100 using a flexible flat cable 111 as an example, the flexible flat cable 111 may be broken or damaged, resulting in interruption of the line connection. Or the contact disc 113 may be corroded, contaminated or worn in long-term use, resulting in poor contact. In short, when the first conductive component 100 has a problem and the plug connector 10 cannot continue to be used normally, compared with replacing the entire plug connector 10, it is possible to save costs by replacing only the first conductive component 100. The first locking member 351 is used to clamp the first conductive component 100 , which can also simplify the assembly process and has a simpler structure, thereby reducing the difficulty of design and assembly.

[0153] Exemplarily, the first locking member 351 is detachably connected to the first housing assembly 200 between a first locking position and a first unlocking position. Figures 13 to 15B As shown, illustratively, when the first locking member 351 is installed in the first locking position, it can squeeze the stress relief member 3511, thereby applying a force to the first conductive component 100 in the direction of the first shell component 200. In this way, the flexible portion of the first conductive component 100, such as the middle section 111C, can be pressed against the first shell component 200. The first locking member 351 and the first shell component 200 are both made of rigid materials. The stress relief member 3511 can eliminate the stress concentration caused by the first locking member 351 and the first shell component 200 squeezing the middle section 111C, and can adjust the value of the aforementioned stress to a certain extent, so as to avoid damage to the flexible flat cable 111 due to excessive stress. Compared with the mating contact end 111A, the middle section 111C of the flexible flat cable 111 can withstand greater tension. As shown in FIG. Fig. 14B As shown, the stress relief member 3511 and the first housing assembly 200 (e.g., the rear housing 202) clamp the first conductive component 100 from the opposite direction (e.g., the second lateral direction ZZ), such as clamping the middle section 111C, thereby increasing the friction between the first conductive component 100 and the stress relief member 3511, the first conductive component 100 and the first housing assembly 200, and the first conductive component 100, so that it is not easy to move under the pulling force (the force consistent with the pulling-out direction of the plug connector 10). Optionally, as Fig.14AAs shown, the portion of the middle section 111C between the first locking member 351 and the contact plate 113 can be bent. For example, the mating contact end 111A is bent under the pressure of the first locking member 351. Thus, the friction between the flexible flat cable 111 and the first locking member 351 and between the flexible flat cable 111 and the first housing assembly 200 can be increased. Moreover, when the flexible flat cable 111 is subjected to tension, the tension is not easily transmitted to the mating contact end 111A, thereby ensuring that the contact plate 113 maintains a good electrical connection with the socket connector 20. In addition, the first locking member 351 biases the middle section 111C toward one side along, for example, the second lateral direction ZZ, see Fig.14A , so that the middle section 111C is offset toward one side of the first housing assembly 200 relative to the mating contact end 111A. In this way, a sufficiently large space can be provided in the first housing assembly 200, on the other side of the first housing assembly 200 (above the middle section 111C in the figure) to accommodate a larger first locking member 351 and a stress relief member 3511. The larger first locking member 351 is more convenient for its installation and removal, and a buckle with higher mechanical strength and greater elasticity can be provided (as will be described below), so that while ensuring reliable installation to the first housing assembly 200, it can also facilitate removal and installation. The larger stress relief member 3511 means that the stress can be adjusted in a larger range and can also have a longer service life.

[0154] The first locking member 351 can be installed on the first housing assembly 200 by direct insertion to reach the first locking position; and can reach the first unlocking position by partially or completely separating from the first housing assembly 200. In other embodiments, the first locking member 351 can also be connected to the first housing assembly 200, and move between the first locking position and the first unlocking position by pivoting the pivot axis, thereby locking and releasing the first conductive assembly 100. Of course, the present application does not exclude the embodiment in which the first conductive assembly 100 is a rigid structure and is not provided with a flexible part.

[0155] Exemplarily, the first locking member 351 may include an elastic buckle 3512 that cooperates with the first housing assembly 200, and the elastic buckle 3512 can be released from the first housing assembly 200 under the action of a tool. The elastic buckle 3512 can be integrally formed with the first locking member 351, without the need to add other structures to the first locking member 351, so that the first locking member 351 can be installed to the first housing assembly 200 at a low cost. Since the first conductive component 100 is only removed from the plug connector 10 when it needs to be replaced or maintained, rather than requiring frequent plugging and unplugging like the plug connector 10 is connected to the socket connector 20, the first locking member 351 can be removed by a tool. The disassembly operation is simple, there are fewer parts, and there will be no loss of screws during the disassembly process, and the user experience is better. Compared with the buckle that is engaged by interference fit, for the elastic buckle 3512 that is released by a tool, unless the elastic buckle 3512 is deformed by a tool, a large external force must be applied to destroy the elastic buckle 3512 before it can be separated from the first housing assembly 200. Therefore, the elastic buckle 3512 can be more reliably retained on the first housing assembly 200, and the flexible flat cable 111 will not be straightened and the first locking member 351 will not be broken due to a large pulling force applied to the flexible flat cable 111.

[0156] Exemplarily, the first locking member 351 can fix the first conductive component 100 to the first housing component 200 by clamping or squeezing. In order to prevent the first conductive component 100 from being subjected to a large force applied by the first locking member 351 for a long time, causing it to deform, age or even break, a stress relief member 3511 can be provided. Exemplarily, the stress relief member 3511 can be made of an elastic material. In this case, the stress relief member 3511 can be appropriately deformed under pressure, thereby increasing the friction with the first conductive component 100, and the first conductive component 100 will not be damaged due to excessive hardness.

[0157] Exemplarily, the stress relief piece 3511 is sleeved on the first locking piece 351. As described above, the stress relief piece 3511 can be made of elastic material. Exemplarily and non-limitingly, silicone can be used as the stress relief piece 3511. The stress relief piece 3511 is clamped between the first conductive component 100 and the first locking piece 351. For ease of installation, the stress relief piece 3511 can be connected to the first locking piece 351 to prevent it from falling off during replacement, or inconvenient installation and removal. Compared with the use of gluing and other methods, sleeved on the first locking piece 351, it is relatively simple to prevent the stress relief piece 3511 from falling off, and it can be easily removed from the first locking piece 351 when replacement is needed.

[0158] For example, the terminal locking assembly 350 may further include a second locking member 352, and the second locking member 352 has a second locking position and a second unlocking position. Fig.16A and Fig. 16B As shown, when the second locking member 352 is in the second locking position, the second locking member 352 is connected to the first housing component 200 and engages with the first conductive component 100; when the second locking member 352 is in the second unlocking position, the second locking member 352 releases the first conductive component 100. Fig.12 As shown, the second locking member 352 may include a plurality of protruding claws 3521, and the first housing assembly 200 may be provided with a hole 2011 through which the claws 3521 can pass. When the second locking member 352 is in the second locking position, the claws 3521 can pass through the hole 2011, cooperate with the first conductive assembly 100, and limit the first conductive assembly 100. As described above, the first conductive assembly 100 can be inserted into the plug connector 10 along the guide groove 203. The first conductive assembly 100 may be provided with a limiting hole that cooperates with the claws 3521. After the first conductive assembly 100 is in place, the claws 3521 can be inserted into the limiting hole, and the first conductive assembly 100 can be limited in movement by the claws 3521 of the second locking member 352. Thus, the structural strength of the first conductive assembly 100 can be utilized to prevent it from moving when the first conductive assembly 100 is subjected to external force. Compared with the solution of fixing by friction, it is more solid and has a simpler structure.

[0159] For example, the edge of the reinforcing plate 112 may be provided with a notch 114 for the second locking member 352 to be inserted into. Providing the notch 114 at the edge of the reinforcing plate 112 can avoid the shape of the mating contact end 111A from being affected. This can greatly reduce the design difficulty and relatively improve the space utilization.

[0160] Exemplarily, the second locking member 352 is pivotally connected to the first housing assembly 200 between a second locking position and a second unlocking position. Fig.16A As shown, illustratively, the second locking member 352 can be mounted on the first housing assembly 200 and move between a second locking position and a second unlocking position by pivoting around a pivot axis. Fig. 16BThe pivot hole 3523 of the second locking member 352 is shown. For example, the pivot axis can be a pivot protrusion 2012 formed on the first housing assembly 200, and the pivot hole 3523 of the second locking member 352 can be sleeved on the pivot protrusion 2012 for pivoting. A groove can also be provided on the first housing assembly 200, and a protrusion is provided on the second locking member 352. The protrusion of the second locking member 352 is embedded in the groove of the first housing assembly 200, so as to pivot around the protrusion. In other embodiments not shown, an independent pivot axis can also be provided, which can be inserted into the groove or opening of the two after the second locking member is installed to the first housing assembly to form a pivot axis. The pivoting method is adopted, and the operation is relatively simple. The second locking member 352 will not be separated from the first housing assembly 200 and is not easy to lose. The second locking member 352 can include a protrusion latch 3522, which can cooperate with the first housing assembly 200 to form a certain resistance when in the second locking position. In other words, the user needs to exert a certain force, such as depressing the second locking member 352, to make the second locking member 352 leave the first housing assembly 200. This can effectively prevent the second locking member 352 from accidentally reaching the second unlocking position when it is not necessary to unlock the second locking member 352.

[0161] Exemplarily, along a lateral direction perpendicular to the mating direction XX of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20, such as the second lateral direction ZZ, the first housing assembly 200 has a first side and a second side opposite to each other, and there are two second locking members 352, which are symmetrically arranged on the first side and the second side. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the first conductive assembly 100 can be symmetrically arranged along the second lateral direction ZZ. In this way, a plug connector 10 can connect four first conductive assemblies 100, thereby greatly improving the cable density of the plug connector 10. For this type of plug connector 10, two second locking members 352 can be symmetrically arranged to fix the first conductive assembly 100 on each side respectively. In this way, during the installation and removal process, the first conductive assembly 100 on one side can be installed and locked by the second locking member 352 on the side; and then the first conductive assembly 100 on the other side can be installed and locked by the second locking member 352 on the side. During the installation process, the plug connector 10 can always have one surface placed on the plane, and the second locking member 352 on the side placed on the plane is in the second locking position, so as to facilitate the user to install and remove. In the case of symmetrical arrangement, in order to avoid interference between the two second locking members 352 during pivoting, the pivoting protrusion 2012 on the first housing assembly 200 that cooperates with the pivoting hole 3523 can be staggered. Of course, the present application does not exclude the embodiment in which only one side is provided with the first conductive assembly 100. In this case, the second locking members 352 do not need to be symmetrically arranged.

[0162] Exemplarily, the mating contact end 111A extends into the front housing 201, the first locking member 351 is connected to the rear housing 202, and the second locking member 352 is connected to the front housing 201. It is easy to understand that the front housing 201 needs to be matched with the socket connector 20, so the mating contact end 111A extends to the front housing 201, and an electrical connection can be formed when the front housing 201 is connected to the socket connector 20, so the socket connector 20 does not need to extend too much into the plug connector 10 to match the multiple contact pads 113. The first locking member 351 set in the rear housing 202 can fix the first conductive component 100 from the rear, and the second locking member 352 set in the front housing 201 can fix the first conductive component 100 from the front, so as to evenly apply pressure to the first conductive component 100, so as to avoid excessive force at one position, resulting in damage to the first conductive component 100. On the other hand, as described above, the first locking member 351 and the second locking member 352 can also fix the first conductive component 100 in different ways.

[0163] The present application also discloses a socket connector 20, comprising a second conductive component, a second housing component 500, and a housing 600. The second conductive component comprises a plurality of terminals 400, and the plurality of terminals 400 are configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of contact pads 113 on a plug connector 10 inserted into the socket connector 20. The plurality of terminals 400 are mounted to the second housing component 500. The housing 600 may surround the second housing component 500. A connector locking adapter 610 may be provided on the housing 600, and the connector locking adapter 610 may be configured to be locked with a connector locking component 300 on the plug connector 10.

[0164] The socket connector 20 can be adapted to the above-mentioned plug connector 10, for example. The socket connector 20 is used to establish an electrical connection between a circuit board to be installed (not shown) and an adapting electrical connector. The circuit board to be installed can be a first circuit board (also referred to as a "first printed circuit board" or "first PCB"). The socket connector 20 can be mounted to the circuit board to be installed, and the corresponding conductive portion of the plug connector 10 can be inserted into the socket connector 20, so as to establish an electrical connection between the circuit board to be installed and the plug connector 10 through the socket connector 20.

[0165] In an embodiment not shown, the socket connector may also cooperate with other electrical components, which may be a second circuit board (also referred to as a "second printed circuit board" or "second PCB"). In this case, the first circuit board may be a main board, and the second circuit board may be a daughter card such as a solid state drive (SSD) card, a wireless communication card, or a radio frequency module. An electrical connector may be mounted to the first circuit board, and a corresponding conductive portion of the second circuit board may be inserted into the electrical connector, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the first circuit board and the second circuit board through the electrical connector.

[0166] The second housing assembly 500 can be made of an insulating material. Examples of insulating materials suitable for manufacturing the second housing assembly 500 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). For the sake of clarity and simplicity of description, the above mating direction XX, the first lateral direction YY and the second lateral direction ZZ are used here. Exemplarily, the compartment 600 is surrounded by the outside of the second housing assembly 500. The compartment 600 and the second housing assembly 500 together form a second fitting portion 21 for mating with the first fitting portion 11 of the plug connector 10. At one end where the second fitting portion 21 is located, the compartment 600 can extend beyond the second housing assembly 500. The longer compartment 600 can provide better support for the plug connector 10 when mating with the adapted plug connector 10. Compared with the second housing assembly 500 or the first housing assembly 200 of the adapted plug connector 10, the housing 600 can withstand greater external forces to prevent the mating position of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 from being broken by external forces. Optionally, the housing 600 can be fixed to the first circuit board by adhesive, welding, snaps, etc., so as to support and limit the second housing assembly 500. The housing 600 can be connected to the signal ground, so as to effectively shield against external interference.

[0167] Return to reference Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in the figure, the connector lock adapter 610 provided on the compartment 600 can be a protrusion formed by stamping. When the plug connector 10 is connected to the socket connector 20, the third locking portion 331 of the third member 330 can be hooked on the connector lock adapter 610, thereby preventing the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 from being accidentally separated. In other embodiments, the connector lock adapter 610 can be other structures as long as it can be adapted to the third locking portion 331. In this way, the reliable matching of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 can be ensured at a relatively low cost.

[0168] Exemplarily, the connector locking adapter portion 610 may include a first connector locking adapter portion 611 and a second connector locking adapter portion 612, and the first connector locking adapter portion 611 and the second connector locking adapter portion 612 are arranged in sequence along the mating direction of the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20, and each of the first connector locking adapter portion 611 and the second connector locking adapter portion 612 can be locked with the connector locking assembly 300 on the plug connector 10.

[0169] Continue to refer Figure 3 , the second connector lock adapter 612 goes deeper into the compartment 600 along the mating direction, and only when the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 are tightly plugged, the third locking portion 331 can be matched with the second connector lock adapter 612. The first connector lock adapter 611 is relatively outward, and when the second connector lock adapter 612 fails, the first connector lock adapter 611 can prevent the plug connector 10 from falling off completely. The contact plate 113 and / or the terminal 400 may include a shorter signal terminal, which is disconnected when the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 move relative to each other, thereby generating an alarm signal. This can further prevent the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 from accidentally disconnecting.

[0170] For example, when the user inserts the plug connector 10 into the socket connector 20, the friction resistance may gradually increase during the initial insertion process. Therefore, the user may mistakenly believe that the plug connector 10 has been plugged in place. In this case, the third locking portion 331 of the third member 330 may be placed on the second connector lock adapter 612 and the locking is not completed. During the driving of the vehicle, the plug connector 10 may become loose due to vibration. In this case, during the process of the plug connector 10 being disengaged from the outside, the third locking portion 331 can cooperate with the first connector lock adapter 611 to prevent the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 from being accidentally disconnected. In short, whether the third locking portion 331 and the second connector lock adapter 612 are accidentally separated due to excessive vibration, or the user does not properly connect the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20, or the second connector lock adapter 612 is damaged, etc., the first connector lock adapter 611 can prevent the plug connector 10 and the socket connector 20 from being accidentally disconnected.

[0171] like Fig.18As best shown, each of the plurality of terminals 400 can be formed by a conductive material. The conductive material suitable for manufacturing the terminal 400 can be a metal or a metal alloy, such as copper or a copper alloy. The electrical contact end 401 can be configured to cooperate with the corresponding conductive portion of an electrical component such as the aforementioned second circuit board or a plug connector, and the mounting end 402 can be configured to be mounted to a circuit board such as the aforementioned first circuit board. The mounting end 402 can be straight along the second lateral direction ZZ. Specifically, the first circuit board can include a conductive portion such as a conductive pad or a conductive through hole, and the mounting end 402 of the terminal 400 can be configured to be connected to the conductive portion of the first circuit board by any suitable process known in the art (e.g., press fit or welding). For example, the second circuit board can include a conductive portion arranged at or near the edge of the second circuit board, and can be inserted into the electrical connector so that the conductive portion of the second circuit board contacts the electrical contact end 401 of the terminal 400.

[0172] Each terminal 400 in a plurality of terminals 400 may include a curved section, which is bent so that the mounting end 402 and the electrical contact end 401 of the terminal 400 are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. When a plurality of terminals 400 are arranged in the second housing assembly 500, the mounting end 402 is oriented along the second lateral direction ZZ, and the electrical contact end 401 is oriented along the mating direction XX substantially perpendicular to the second lateral direction ZZ. Through this configuration, the socket connector 20 can be mounted on the circuit board along the second lateral direction ZZ, and mate with the plug connector along the mating direction XX, so that an electrical connection is established between the plug connector and the circuit board. The mounting end 402 and the electrical contact end 401 can also extend inversely along the mating direction XX, so that each terminal 400 is substantially straight.

[0173] Exemplarily, the second housing assembly 500 may be overmolded on the terminal 400. In some embodiments, the second housing assembly 500 may further include a mounting assembly (not shown), which is used to space the mounting ends 402 of the plurality of terminals 400 from each other. In some embodiments, the second housing assembly 500 includes a main body and a reserved groove, and the terminals 400 may all be mounted on the main body of the second housing assembly 500 through the groove, and then a structure that can fix the mounting end of the terminal 400 is overmolded by pouring glue in the groove.

[0174] For example, the compartment 600 may be formed by bending a metal sheet, and the opposite edges of the metal sheet are formed with a mortise and tenon structure 630 so that the edges of the metal sheet are connected to each other. Fig.18, the box 600 completely wraps the second housing assembly 500 of the socket connector 20. Preferably, the metal sheet can be stamped into a suitable shape by a stamping process, and then after the second housing assembly 500 and the terminal 400 of the socket connector 20 are assembled, the semi-finished product of the stamped box 600 is placed in the box 600, and the part of the box 600 that needs to be bent is bent, so that the box 600 can completely wrap the second housing assembly 500. Exemplarily, a mortise and tenon structure 630 can be formed at the lower part of the box 600. After the bending is completed, the edges of the originally separated metal sheets of the box 600 are connected to each other, so that they can withstand a large force parallel to the direction of the metal sheet. Compared with welding the metal sheets of the box 600 together to form a complete whole of the box 600, the mortise and tenon structure 630 can be quickly produced in large quantities by a stamping process, with lower costs, higher reliability and higher yield.

[0175] Exemplarily, the body 600 may include a board lock 620, which is used to be mounted to the second circuit board. As described above, the body 600 may be fixed to the first circuit board. Since the socket connector 20 may be subjected to a certain tensile force after being connected to the plug connector 10, there are certain requirements for the connection strength between the body 600 and the first circuit board as the main force-bearing component. Preferably, the body 600 can be connected to the first circuit board by welding. In some embodiments, one side of the body 600 can be soldered to the first circuit board as a whole by soldering tin, thereby forming a reliable connection. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the body 600 includes a board lock 620 composed of a protruding metal part, which can be embedded in the pad vias and / or through holes of the first circuit board, and can also be soldered by soldering tin, further ensuring that the body 600 is firmly locked to the first circuit board. The board lock 620 can match the pad vias of the first circuit board, and the pad vias are usually slightly larger than the board lock 620. After the board lock 620 is inserted into the pad via hole of the first circuit board, the gap between the via hole and the board lock 620 can be filled by soldering, so as to be reliably fixed. Compared with the embodiment of directly welding the body 600 to the first circuit board, the board lock 620 is adopted, not only does it not need to heat the body 600 as a whole to ensure that the temperature of the welding point reaches the welding requirement, but also reduces the welding difficulty; the board lock 620 passes through the first circuit board, and when the body 600 is subjected to force, not only the welding point is subjected to force, but also the substrate of the first circuit board will disperse the force of the body 600, so as to avoid the separation of the pad at the welding point from the substrate of the first circuit board when subjected to a large tensile force, thereby ensuring the firmness of the socket connector 20. Preferably, the end of the board lock 620 can have a reduced size, so as to form a step at a position where the board lock 620 is nearly flush with the lower surface of the body 600. The smaller size of the end of the board lock 620 allows it to be inserted into the pad hole of the first circuit board, and the step can be stuck on the surface of the first circuit board and will not enter the pad hole, thereby limiting the compartment 600 and ensuring that the compartment 600 will not be skewed.

[0176] Exemplarily, the inner surface of the front of the compartment 600 is spaced apart from the outer surface of the second housing assembly 500 to form a space for receiving the insertion portion of the plug connector 10, and the connector lock adapter 610 is disposed in the space. Exemplarily, the second housing assembly 500 may include a front portion for cooperating with the front of the compartment 600 to form the second adapter portion 21 and a rear portion for fixing the terminal 400, such as Fig.18As shown. The rear portion of the compartment 600 is fixed to the rear portion of the second housing assembly 500. The size of the rear portion matches the size of the compartment 600. The compartment 600 can be fixed with the rear portion of the second housing assembly 500 by means of a snap or a spring 640 or other structure. The size of the front portion of the second housing assembly 500 is smaller than the size of the compartment 600, so that a concave cavity for receiving the first adapter portion 11 of the plug connector 10 is formed between the front portion and the compartment 600. When the second adapter portion 21 is connected to the first adapter portion 11 of the plug connector 10, the first adapter portion 11 can be inserted into the compartment 600, and the front portion of the second housing assembly 500 is inserted into the opening of the first adapter portion 11.

[0177] The present application also discloses a method for operating a plug connector, and the control method may include the following steps:

[0178] Moving the first member from the first locked position to the first released position to release the second member in the second locked position; and

[0179] The second component is moved from the second locked position to the second released position to unlock the third component, wherein when the second component is in the second locked position, the third component is in the third locked position; and when the second component is in the second released position, the third component is in the third released position to release the socket connector matched with the plug connector.

[0180] Exemplarily, the step of moving the first member from the first locking position to the first releasing position may include: pressing a first operating portion C on the first member at the first locking position; and moving the first member along a first direction so that the first member moves to the first releasing position.

[0181] The present application also discloses a method for replacing a first conductive component for a plug connector, which may include the following steps:

[0182] The first locking member is moved to a first unlocking position, wherein a stress relief member is disposed on the first locking member, and when the first locking member is in the first unlocking position, the stress relief member releases the first conductive component;

[0183] removing the first conductive component;

[0184] replacing the first conductive component; and

[0185] The first locking member is moved to the first locking position, and the stress relief member is pressed against the replaced first conductive component.

[0186] Exemplarily, before the step of removing the first conductive component, the method of replacing the first conductive component may further include: moving the second locking piece to a second unlocking position, and the second locking piece withdrawing from the first conductive component; and after the step of replacing the first conductive component, the method may further include: moving the second locking piece to a second locking position, and the second locking piece inserting into the first conductive component.

[0187] Thus, the present disclosure has been described through the above-mentioned several embodiments, but it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make more variations, modifications and improvements according to the teachings of the present disclosure, and these variations, modifications and improvements all fall within the spirit of the present disclosure and the scope of protection required. The scope of protection of the present disclosure is defined by the attached claims and their equivalents. The above-mentioned embodiments are only for the purpose of example and description, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the scope of the described embodiments.

[0188] In the description of the present disclosure, it is necessary to understand that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional words such as "front", "back", "up", "down", "left", "right", "lateral", "vertical", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", etc. is usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present disclosure; the directional words "inside" and "outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0189] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used here to describe the spatial positional relationship between one or more components or features shown in the figure and other components or features. It should be understood that spatially relative terms include not only the orientation of the components as described in the figure, but also different orientations in use or operation. For example, if the components in the accompanying drawings are inverted as a whole, the components "above other components or features" or "above other components or features" will include the situation where the components are "below other components or structures" or "below other components or structures". Therefore, the exemplary term "above" may include both "above" and "below". In addition, these components or features may also be positioned at other different angles (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other angles), and this article is intended to include all of these situations.

[0190] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of features, steps, operations, parts, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0191] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present disclosure and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the numbers used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein.

Claims

1. A cable connector, characterized in that: include: Shell assembly; as well as A conductive assembly comprising at least one flexible flat cable, each of the at least one flexible flat cable comprising a mating contact end, a mounting end, and an intermediate section connected between the mating contact end and the mounting end, wherein: The mating contact end of the at least one flexible flat cable extends into the housing assembly, and the mounting end of the at least one flexible flat cable is located outside the housing assembly; The mating contact end of at least one flexible flat cable has a first surface and a second surface, each of the first surface and the second surface includes a plurality of contact pads, the plurality of contact pads are arranged in a row along a first lateral direction, and the first surface and the second surface are opposite to each other along a second lateral direction perpendicular to the first lateral direction.

2. The cable connector according to claim 1, wherein: The conductive assembly is detachably connected to the housing assembly.

3. The cable connector according to claim 2, wherein: The invention also includes a first locking member, wherein the first locking member has a first locking position and a first unlocking position, Wherein, when the first locking member is in the first locking position, the middle section is clamped between the housing component and the first locking member; and when the first locking member is in the first unlocking position, the conductive component is detachable from the housing component.

4. The cable connector according to claim 3, wherein: It also includes a stress relief member fixed on the first locking member, When the first locking member is in the first locking position, the stress relief member is clamped between the middle section and the first locking member.

5. The cable connector according to claim 4, wherein: The stress relief piece is sleeved on the first locking piece; and / or The stress relief piece is made of elastic material.

6. The cable connector according to claim 3, wherein: The middle section is bent under the pressure of the first locking member.

7. The cable connector according to claim 6, wherein: The intermediate section is offset relative to the mating contact end toward a side of the housing assembly.

8. The cable connector according to claim 3, wherein: The first locking member includes an elastic buckle matched with the housing assembly, and the elastic buckle can be released from the housing assembly under the action of a tool.

9. The cable connector according to claim 1, wherein: The conductive assembly further includes a reinforcement plate, the mating contact end portion is fixed to the reinforcement plate, and the reinforcement plate is fixed to the housing assembly.

10. The cable connector according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one flexible flat cable comprises a first flexible flat cable and a second flexible flat cable, The mating contact end of the first flexible flat cable includes the first surface, and the mating contact end of the first flexible flat cable also has a third surface, the third surface and the first surface are opposite along the second lateral direction, The mating contact end of the second flexible flat cable includes the second surface, and the mating contact end of the second flexible flat cable also has a fourth surface, the fourth surface and the second surface are opposite along the second lateral direction, The third surface and the fourth surface are arranged opposite to each other.

11. The cable connector according to claim 10, wherein: The third surface and the fourth surface are respectively fixed with reinforcement plates, and the reinforcement plates are fixed to the shell assembly.

12. The cable connector according to claim 9 or 11, characterized in that: The invention also includes a second locking member, wherein the second locking member has a second locking position and a second unlocking position, wherein: When the second locking member is in the second locking position, the second locking member is connected to the housing assembly and is engaged with the reinforcement plate to fix the reinforcement plate to the housing assembly; and When the second locking member is in the second unlocking position, the second locking member releases the reinforcing plate.

13. The cable connector according to claim 12, wherein: A notch is provided at the edge of the reinforcing plate, and the second locking member is inserted into the notch when the second locking member is in the second locking position.

14. The cable connector according to claim 12, wherein: The housing assembly comprises: front housing; A pivot shaft, one end of which is connected to the front housing, the second locking member is provided with a pivot hole, the pivot shaft is inserted into the pivot hole, so that the second locking member can pivot between the second locking position and the second unlocking position; A rear housing is connected to the front housing, and the rear housing limits the second locking member from being separated from the pivot shaft at the other end of the pivot shaft.

15. The cable connector according to claim 1, wherein: The cable connector is a plug connector.

16. A cable connector, characterized in that: include: Conductive components; a housing assembly, the conductive assembly being mounted to the housing assembly; as well as A connector locking assembly, the connector locking assembly comprising a first component, a second component and a third component, wherein: The first member is movable between a first locking position and a first releasing position, the first member being configured to engage with the housing assembly and lock the second member when in the first locking position and to disengage from the housing assembly and release the second member when in the first releasing position, The second member is configured to be movable between a second locking position locked by the first member and a second releasing position engaged with the third member, The third member is configured to be movable between a third locking position capable of locking the mating socket connector and a third releasing position for cooperating with the second member to release the socket connector.

17. The cable connector according to claim 16, wherein: The first component comprises: a first body, the first body comprising a first operating portion operable to move the first member between the first locking position and the first releasing position along a first direction; and A first locking portion locks the second member when the first member is in the first locking position and releases the second member when the first member is in the first releasing position.

18. The cable connector according to claim 17, wherein: The first operating portion is operable between an initial position and a first operating position along a second direction different from the first direction, wherein: When the first operating portion is in the initial position, the limiting portion on the housing assembly blocks the first operating portion along the first direction, so that the first component remains in the first locking position; and When the first operating portion is at the first operating position, the first operating portion and the limiting portion are unblocked, so that the first component can move to the first release position.

19. The cable connector according to claim 18, wherein: The limiting portion extends along the first direction, the first operating portion abuts against an end of the limiting portion when in the initial position, and the first operating portion passes over the end of the limiting portion and is slidable along the limiting portion when in the first operating position, so that the first component moves to the first release position.

20. The cable connector according to claim 18, wherein: The first operating portion includes a cantilever and a pair of wings protruding outward from both sides of a free end of the cantilever, and the limiting portions are arranged in pairs to block the pair of wings along the first direction respectively.

21. The cable connector according to claim 18, wherein: The outer surface of the first operating portion has a protrusion protruding from the outer surface of the first body, and the outer surface of the first body is provided with a protruding protection portion, and the protection portion is arranged around the protrusion.

22. The cable connector according to claim 17, wherein: The first member further includes a first intermediate portion, the first intermediate portion being connected between the first locking portion and the first body; The third component comprises: a third locking portion, wherein the third locking portion is configured to lock and release the socket connector; a third tail portion, wherein the third locking portion and the third tail portion are respectively located at two opposite ends of the third member; and A third middle portion is connected between the third locking portion and the third tail portion, wherein a width of the third middle portion is smaller than a width of the third locking portion and a width of at least a portion of the third tail portion, a gap is provided on the first middle portion, and the third middle portion is passed through the gap.

23. The cable connector according to claim 22, wherein: The width of the third locking portion and the width of at least a portion of the third tail portion are both greater than the width of the gap; and / or The width of the third middle portion is adapted to the width of the gap.

24. The cable connector according to claim 17, wherein: The second member is configured to be pressed into the housing assembly to the second release position, The first locking portion is located on the inner side of the second component, and when the first component is in the first locking position, the first locking portion abuts against the second component toward the outer side of the housing assembly to keep the second component in the second locking position.

25. The cable connector according to claim 24, wherein: The third component includes a third opening extending along the first direction. The first locking portion passes through the third opening to cooperate with the second component and is slidable along the third opening.

26. The cable connector according to claim 16, wherein: The housing assembly is provided with a mounting channel extending along a first direction, The first component is movably mounted to the mounting channel between the first locking position and the first releasing position along a first direction, and the mounting channel at least limits the movement of the first component in the first direction.

27. The cable connector according to claim 26, wherein: The first component includes a first body, and the first body includes: a first side wall, wherein a first operating portion is disposed on the first side wall, and the first operating portion is operable to move the first member between the first locking position and the first releasing position; and A second side wall and a third side wall, the second side wall and the third side wall are relatively arranged on both sides of the first side wall, the second side wall and the third side wall are respectively provided with a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion, the shell assembly is provided with a first clamping groove and a second clamping groove extending along the first direction, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are respectively clamped into the first clamping groove and the second clamping groove along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are slidable along the first clamping groove and the second clamping groove.

28. The cable connector according to claim 26, wherein: The second component and the third component are both located in the installation channel, Along the first direction, the third member is held in place by the second member and the housing assembly.

29. The cable connector according to any one of claims 17 to 28, characterized in that: The first direction is parallel to a mating direction in which the cable connector mates with the socket connector.

30. The cable connector according to claim 16, wherein: The third component comprises: a third locking portion, the third locking portion being used to lock and release the socket connector; and A third tail portion, wherein the third locking portion and the third tail portion are respectively located at opposite ends of the third member, and the third tail portion comprises a connecting section, a middle section and an end section which are sequentially connected along the mating direction of the cable connector and the socket connector, and the connecting section is connected to the third locking portion, wherein: The middle section is bent toward the inside of the shell component and abuts against the shell component; The end abuts against the housing component toward the outside of the housing component; and A fulcrum is provided on the shell assembly, and the fulcrum biases the connecting section toward the outside of the shell assembly.

31. The cable connector according to claim 30, wherein: The third tail portion is provided with third wing portions on both sides of the end thereof, Along an insertion direction of the cable connector into the socket connector, the third wing abuts against the housing assembly.

32. The cable connector according to claim 16, wherein: The third component also includes a protruding third limiting portion, Along the direction in which the cable connector is removed from the socket connector, the third limiting portion abuts against the second component.

33. The cable connector according to claim 16, wherein: The third member is made of a metal sheet.

34. The cable connector according to claim 16, wherein: The housing assembly comprises a front housing and a rear housing, and the conductive assembly extends into the front housing. The first member is mounted to the rear housing and extends into the front housing; the second member is mounted between the front housing and a portion of the first member extending into the front housing; The third member is mounted to the rear housing and extends to the front housing.

35. An adapter connector, characterized in that: include: A conductive component configured to be electrically connected to a conductive component on a plug connector inserted into the adapter connector; a housing assembly to which the conductive assembly is mounted; and A box body surrounds the shell assembly, and a connector locking adapter is provided on the box body. The connector locking adapter is configured to be locked with a connector locking assembly on the plug connector.

36. The adapter connector according to claim 35, characterized in that: The connector locking adapter includes a first connector locking adapter and a second connector locking adapter. The first connector locking adapter and the second connector locking adapter are arranged in sequence along the mating direction of the plug connector and the adapter connector. Each of the first connector locking adapter and the second connector locking adapter can be locked with the connector locking component on the plug connector.

37. The adapter connector according to claim 35, characterized in that: The compartment body is formed by bending a metal sheet, and opposite edges of the metal sheet are formed with mortise and tenon structures so that the edges of the metal sheet are connected to each other.

38. The adapter connector according to claim 35, characterized in that: The compartment includes a board lock for mounting to a circuit board.

39. The adapter connector according to claim 35, characterized in that: The inner surface of the front portion of the compartment is spaced apart from the outer surface of the housing assembly to form a space for receiving the insertion portion of the plug connector, and the connector locking adapter is disposed in the space.

40. An electrical system, characterized in that The electrical system comprises a cable connector as claimed in any one of claims 1-34.

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