Cable connector and electronic system

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a cable connector and an electronic system. The cable connector comprises a shell assembly, a plurality of flexible flat cables arranged in a stacked mode and a partition piece, and the shell assembly comprises a matching end part, a connecting end part and a mounting channel extending from the connecting end part to the matching end part; the end parts of the plurality of flexible flat cables are inserted into the mounting channel from the connecting end part and extend to the matching end part; a separator is clamped between any adjacent flexible flat cables in the plurality of flexible flat cables, and the end portions of the plurality of flexible flat cables and the separator are held in the housing assembly. When the cable connector is matched with the adaptive electric connector, the terminal assembly of the board connector can be better pressed against the contact disc supported by the separator, so that good electric contact is ensured. Each flexible flat cable can be fixed by using the separator and the housing assembly, and the cable connector is also relatively simple to assemble.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of connector technology, and in particular to high speed, high density electrical connectors. The electrical connectors are particularly suitable for use in harsh environments, such as in vehicles, and more particularly, in new energy vehicles. BACKGROUND

[0002] Connectors are used in many electronic systems. It is often easier and less costly to manufacture an electronic system on several printed circuit boards (PCBs) that are connected to each other by connectors than to manufacture the electronic system as a single assembly. A conventional arrangement for interconnecting several PCBs typically uses one PCB as a master board. Other PCBs, referred to as daughter boards or daughter cards, are then connected to the master board by connectors to achieve the interconnection of the PCBs.

[0003] Electronic systems have generally become smaller, faster, and functionally more complex. These changes mean that the number of circuits in a given area of an electronic system, along with the frequency at which the circuits operate, has increased significantly in recent years. Current systems transfer more data between printed circuit boards, and require electrical connectors that can transmit signals at higher speeds than electrical connectors of a few years ago.

[0004] With the wide use of flexible flat cables (FFC), cable connectors configured with flexible flat cables are also more common. A plurality of flexible flat cables are usually configured in the cable connector, and how to reasonably arrange the flexible flat cables in the limited space and make the flexible flat cables be firmly and easily installed into the shell of the cable connector are of great significance to the production cost and performance of the cable connector. CONTENT OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0005] In order to at least partially solve the problems existing in the prior art, the first aspect of the present disclosure provides a cable connector, comprising: a shell assembly, the shell assembly comprising a mating end, a connecting end, and a mounting channel extending from the connecting end to the mating end; a plurality of flexible flat cables arranged in a stack, ends of the plurality of flexible flat cables being inserted into the mounting channel from the connecting end and extending to the mating end; and a separator, the separator being clamped between any adjacent flexible flat cables of the plurality of flexible flat cables, the ends of the plurality of flexible flat cables and the separator being retained in the shell assembly.

[0006] Exemplarily, a shielding layer is formed on a surface of each of the plurality of flexible flat cables.

[0007] Exemplarily, the plurality of flexible flat cables includes a first flexible flat cable and a second flexible flat cable, each of the first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable includes an inner side surface and an outer side surface opposite to the inner side surface, the inner side surfaces of the first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable are opposite to each other, the shielding layer includes an inner side shielding layer disposed on the inner side surface of at least one of the first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable, the inner side shielding layer extends forward to the end of the corresponding flexible flat cable.

[0008] Exemplarily, the plurality of flexible flat cables includes a first flexible flat cable and a second flexible flat cable, each of the first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable includes an inner side surface and an outer side surface opposite to the inner side surface, the inner side surfaces of the first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable are opposite to each other, the shielding layer includes an outer side shielding layer disposed on the outer side surface of at least one of the first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable, the outer side shielding layer is spaced apart from the end of the corresponding flexible flat cable to expose the end of the cable conductor of the corresponding flexible flat cable and form a contact pad.

[0009] Exemplarily, the housing assembly includes an inner conductive layer on the inner surface thereof, the outer side shielding layer is in electrical contact with the inner conductive layer.

[0010] Exemplarily, the mounting channel includes a first channel portion accommodating the partition and a second channel portion located at the rear side of the first channel portion, at least a portion of the second channel portion is smaller in size than the total size of the end of the plurality of flexible flat cables and the partition along the stacking direction of the plurality of flexible flat cables, the inner wall of the second channel portion abuts against the plurality of flexible flat cables, so that the inner conductive layer is in electrical contact with the outer side shielding layer.

[0011] Exemplarily, each of the plurality of flexible flat cables includes opposite inner side surfaces and outer side surfaces, the shielding layer includes an inner side shielding layer disposed on the inner side surfaces and an outer side shielding layer disposed on the outer side surfaces, for each of the plurality of flexible flat cables: at least a portion of each of the inner side shielding layer and the outer side shielding layer is wider than the corresponding flexible flat cable, and the widened portions of the inner side shielding layer and the outer side shielding layer are electrically connected to each other.

[0012] Exemplarily, the housing assembly includes an outer conductive layer on the outer surface thereof.

[0013] Exemplarily, an electrically conductive member is disposed on the mating end portion, the electrically conductive member is in electrical contact with the outer electrically conductive layer, and the electrically conductive member protrudes from an outer surface of the mating end portion.

[0014] Exemplarily, the electrically conductive member is an electrically conductive ring.

[0015] Exemplarily, the electrically conductive ring is elastic.

[0016] Exemplarily, the housing assembly includes an inner electrically conductive layer on an inner surface thereof, the inner electrically conductive layer being electrically connected with the outer electrically conductive layer.

[0017] Exemplarily, a shielding layer is formed on a surface of each of the plurality of flexible flat cables, the shielding layer being electrically connected with the inner electrically conductive layer.

[0018] Exemplarily, for each of the plurality of flexible flat cables: the partition includes a first groove and a second groove, the first groove and the second groove extending along a length direction of the corresponding flexible flat cable and being opposite along a width direction of the corresponding flexible flat cable; and two side edges of the corresponding flexible flat cable are respectively inserted into the first groove and the second groove.

[0019] Exemplarily, for each of the plurality of flexible flat cables: the partition includes a boss disposed at a front end thereof, the boss extending along a width direction of the corresponding flexible flat cable, the corresponding flexible flat cable being disposed behind the boss and abutting against a rear surface of the boss; and the boss is higher than a contact disc of the corresponding flexible flat cable.

[0020] Exemplarily, along a protruding direction of the boss, the rear surface of the boss is inclined towards the rear.

[0021] Exemplarily, the housing assembly includes a top shell and a bottom shell opposite along the stacking direction, the partition and the plurality of flexible flat cables being clamped between the top shell and the bottom shell.

[0022] Exemplarily, two side edges of the end portion of the plurality of flexible flat cables include cable lugs, two side edges of the partition include partition lugs, and the housing assembly restricts positions of the cable lugs and the partition lugs at least along a length direction of the plurality of flexible flat cables and the stacking direction.

[0023] Exemplarily, the cable lugs and the partition lugs are aligned along the length direction of the plurality of flexible flat cables.

[0024] Exemplarily, one of the top shell and the bottom shell comprises a buckle, and the other of the top shell and the bottom shell comprises an engaging portion, the buckle being engaged with the engaging portion so that the top shell is fixed to the bottom shell.

[0025] Exemplarily, the divider is clamped between the top shell and the bottom shell, the divider separating a front portion of the mounting channel into a first mounting channel and a second mounting channel, the first mounting channel and the second mounting channel receiving end portions of respective flexible flat cables, wherein: the first mounting channel is formed between the divider and the top shell; and the second mounting channel is formed between the divider and the bottom shell.

[0026] Exemplarily, at least one of the top shell and the bottom shell comprises a positioning slot, the divider comprising a first positioning pin protruding along a mating direction of the top shell and the bottom shell, the first positioning pin being inserted into the positioning slot to position the divider along a length direction and a width direction of the mounting channel.

[0027] Exemplarily, along the stacking direction, the housing assembly is spaced apart from an adjacent shielding layer.

[0028] Exemplarily, each of the plurality of flexible flat cables comprises a first cable portion disposed on the divider, a second cable portion located outside the housing assembly, and a third cable portion connected between the first cable portion and the second cable portion, along the stacking direction, the housing assembly is spaced apart from an adjacent shielding layer located on the first cable portion of the plurality of flexible flat cables, and along the stacking direction, a size of the mounting channel accommodating the third cable portions of the plurality of flexible flat cables is greater than a size of the plurality of flexible flat cables.

[0029] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a cable connector is provided, comprising: mounting an end portion of a first flexible flat cable to a first side of a divider; mounting the divider with the first flexible flat cable mounted thereto to a bottom shell, and the first side facing the bottom shell; mounting an end portion of a second flexible flat cable to a second side of the divider, the second side opposite to the first side; and mounting a top shell to the bottom shell so that the divider is clamped between the top shell and the bottom shell.

[0030] Exemplarily, the top shell comprises a first lock feature configured for operation with a connector lock assembly.

[0031] Exemplarily, the method further comprises: disposing a conductive loop on the mounted top shell and the bottom shell.

[0032] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, an electronic system is provided, comprising: the cable connector described above; and an adapter connector that can be mated to a mating end of the cable connector.

[0033] This utility model description introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This utility model description is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0034] The advantages and features of this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference as part of this disclosure, are provided for understanding the disclosure. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and their descriptions, serving to explain the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings,

[0036] FIG. 1A A perspective view of a portion of an electronic system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a first electrical connector and a mating second electrical connector are connected in place;

[0037] FIG. 1B According to FIG. 1A A cross-sectional view of the electronic system shown;

[0038] FIG. 2 According to FIGS. 1A-1B A perspective view of a portion of the electronic system shown, in which the first electrical connector and the mating second electrical connector are separated from each other;

[0039] FIG. 3 An exploded view of a cable connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 4A According to FIG. 3 The cable connector shown is a sectional perspective view taken by the longitudinal center plane;

[0041] FIG. 4B To and FIG. 4A Corresponding sectional view;

[0042] FIG. 4C A cross-sectional view of a cable connector according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 5 According to FIG. 3 The cable connector shown is a cross-sectional view taken by a plane offset to the right relative to the longitudinal center plane.

[0044] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B top shell of a cable connector according to FIG. 3 Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the top shell of the cable connector according to Fig. 1 in different angles of view;

[0045] FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B bottom shell of a cable connector according to FIG. 3 Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the bottom shell of the cable connector according to Fig. 1 in different angles of view;

[0046] FIG. 8 spacer of a cable connector according to FIG. 3 Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of the spacer of the cable connector according to Fig. 1 ;

[0047] FIGS. 9-15 cable connector according to FIG. 3 Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the cable connector according to Fig. 1 in different assembly stages;

[0048] FIG. 16 Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a board connector according to one exemplary embodiment disclosed;

[0049] FIG. 17 Fig. 11 shows an exploded view of the board connector according to Fig. 10. FIG. 5

[0050] wherein the above figures comprise the following reference signs:

[0051] ​10, cable connector; 20, board connector; 21, main housing; 20A, second mating end; 20B, second mounting end; 22, second conductive assembly; 23, shield housing; 23A, board lock; 24, outer housing; 25, retention member; 26, second detent feature; 27, second annular recess; 30, first circuit board; 31, pad via; 100, first housing assembly; 101, first mating end; 102, first connection end; 103, mounting channel; 104, 104', inner conductive layer; 105, 105', outer conductive layer; 106, first annular recess; 110, top housing; 111, snap; 112, first detent feature; 113, second positioning pin; 120, bottom housing; 121, engagement portion; 122, positioning hole; 130, divider; 131, first groove; 133, divider tab; 134, first positioning pin; 135, boss; 140, slot portion; 150, stiffener; 151, first stiffener; 152, second stiffener; 160, tab groove; 170, positioning slot; 180, recess; 181, first recess; 182, second recess; 200, flexible flat cable; 200A, first flexible flat cable; 200B, second flexible flat cable; 210, base; 220, cable conductor; 230, insulating layer; 241, inner side surface; 242, outer side surface; 250, shielding layer; 251, inner side shielding layer; 252, outer side shielding layer; 260, cable tab; 270, contact pad; 281, first cable portion; 282, second cable portion; 283, third cable portion; 300, conductive ring; 400, connector detent assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] In the following description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that the disclosure can be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present disclosure.

[0053] The inventors have appreciated and recognized a new design of a cable connector that can be reliably and conveniently assembled. In the cable connector, a housing assembly, a plurality of flexible flat cables arranged in a stack, and a separator can be included. The housing assembly can include a mating end, a connecting end, and a mounting channel extending from the connecting end to the mating end. The mounting channel can be configured to receive the ends of the plurality of flexible flat cables and the separator arranged between the ends of the plurality of flexible flat cables. Specifically, the ends of the plurality of flexible flat cables can be inserted into the mounting channel from the connecting end and extend to the mating end. The portions of the flexible flat cables having the contact pads can be fully supported on the separator to ensure that the contact pads are against a flat surface. The separator is clamped between the plurality of flexible flat cables, and the ends of the plurality of flexible flat cables and the separator are held within the housing assembly. When the cable connector is mated with a mating electrical connector (e.g., a board connector), the terminal assembly of the board connector can be preferably pressed against the contact pads supported by the separator to ensure good electrical contact. Moreover, the scheme of including the stacked flexible flat cables can significantly improve the density of the cable connector. The separator arranged between any adjacent flexible flat cables can more conveniently and reliably hold the flexible flat cables on the housing assembly. With the separator and the housing assembly, each flexible flat cable can be fixed, and the assembly of the cable connector can be relatively simple.

[0054] In some embodiments, two or more flexible flat cables can be stacked together along the stacking direction to form a group of flexible flat cables. In each cable connector, a plurality of such groups can be included. The groups can be arranged along the width direction of the flexible flat cables. When there are more than or equal to three flexible flat cables in one or more groups, the flexible flat cables other than the two flexible flat cables having opposite contact pad directions can be arranged outside the two flexible flat cables and staggered along the length direction to expose the contact pads of the two flexible flat cables.

[0055] In some embodiments, the separator can separate the front portion of the mounting channel into a first mounting channel and a second mounting channel. The first mounting channel and the second mounting channel can each extend from the mating end toward the connecting end, and exemplarily, the first mounting channel and the second mounting channel can be spaced apart from the connecting end. The first mounting channel and the second mounting channel can receive the ends of the respective flexible flat cables. The separator can be centrally arranged along the stacking direction of the flexible flat cables at the mating end of the housing assembly, such that the ends of each flexible flat cable are equally spaced from the conductive layer of the housing assembly, and the shielding effect is better. Moreover, when the cable connector employing the housing assembly is mated with a mating electrical connector, the separator can also enhance the rigidity of the ends of the flexible flat cables, facilitating the insertion of the ends of the flexible flat cables into the mating electrical connector.

[0056] In some embodiments, the housing assembly can include a top shell and a bottom shell. The top shell can include a first locking feature configured to operate with a connector locking assembly (CPA). Dividing the housing assembly into a top shell and a bottom shell can facilitate mounting of the divider and the end portions of the flexible flat cables therein. Moreover, the top shell and the bottom shell are opposite along a vertical direction, rather than two sub-shells, such as a left shell and a right shell, being opposite along other directions. In this way, not only can injection molding be facilitated, but the top shell and the bottom shell are also less likely to be separated accidentally in daily operations. In some embodiments, one of the top shell and the bottom shell can include a catch, and the other of the top shell and the bottom shell can include an engagement portion that engages with the catch. In this way, the insulating body can be assembled at a lower cost.

[0057] In some embodiments, the cable connector can include a plurality of flexible flat cables and a divider stacked. End portions of the plurality of flexible flat cables can be held within the housing assembly. The divider can be located between the plurality of flexible flat cables and clamped by the housing assembly along a stacking direction of the plurality of flexible flat cables. In some embodiments, a surface of each of the plurality of flexible flat cables can have a shielding layer, such as an aluminum foil, a copper foil, formed thereon. In this way, the shielding layer can shield the conductors while having a relatively small impact on the flexibility of the flexible flat cables. In view of the problem that the shielding layer can be easily damaged, exemplary, both side edges of the flexible flat cable can include a cable lug, and both side edges of the divider can include a divider lug. The cable lug and the divider lug can be clamped by the housing assembly, such as the top shell and the bottom shell, along the stacking direction of the flexible flat cable. Exemplary, the cable lug and the divider lug can be engaged by the housing assembly along a length direction of the flexible flat cable to limit their positions.

[0058] In some embodiments, the divider can form a first mounting channel with the top shell and a second mounting channel with the bottom shell. In this way, two flat flexible cables can be respectively disposed in the first mounting channel and the second mounting channel and spaced apart from each other. When the electrical connector and the mating electrical connector are mated, the divider can bear pressure applied by the mating electrical connector on the contact pads of the two flat flexible cables from two directions respectively, the two pressures cancel each other out, and the divider can be prevented from being deflected toward one side.

[0059] Further, in some embodiments, the portion of the flexible flat cables having the shielding layer is not clamped by the top case and the bottom case. The flexible flat cables can include a first cable portion disposed on the partition, a second cable portion outside the housing assembly, and a third cable portion connected between the first cable portion and the second cable portion. Correspondingly, the mounting channel can include a first channel portion accommodating the first cable portion and the partition, and a second channel portion accommodating the third cable portion. Along the stacking direction, the housing assembly can be spaced apart from the shielding layer on the first cable portion. Along the stacking direction, the mounting channel can have a dimension accommodating the third cable portion that is greater than a dimension of the plurality of flexible flat cables. This can effectively avoid the situation that the cable conductors or the shielding layer are damaged due to the rated extrusion of the housing assembly. Especially in the application scenario where the flexible flat cables can be pulled, the part of the housing assembly in contact with the shielding layer can be prevented from being damaged due to clamping when pulled. Exemplarily, a minimum height (i.e., a second height) of the second channel portion accommodating the third cable portion can be less than a minimum height (i.e., a first height) of the first channel portion accommodating the first cable portion and the partition. However, the second height can be less than a total height of the plurality of flexible flat cables and the partition therebetween, so that the inner surface of the second channel portion can abut the flexible flat cables inwardly. Thus, the conductive layer on the inner surface of the second channel portion can be in electrical contact with the shielding layer on the surface of the flexible flat cable.

[0060] In some embodiments, the plurality of flexible flat cables can include a first flexible flat cable and a second flexible flat cable. The first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable can have an inner side surface opposite to each other and an outer side surface opposite to the inner side surface. Exemplarily, the shielding layer can include an inner side shielding layer disposed on the inner side surface and / or an outer side shielding layer disposed on the outer side surface. The inner side shielding layer can extend to an end of a corresponding end of the flexible flat cable, or even through the entire length of the corresponding flexible flat cable. The outer side shielding layer can be spaced apart from the end of the corresponding flexible flat cable to expose the end of the cable conductor of the corresponding flexible flat cable and form a contact pad. Exemplarily, the outer side shielding layer can extend to the other end of the flexible flat cable along the length direction. Thus, the cable conductor in the flexible flat cable can be wrapped in the shielding layer as much as possible, and only the contact pad that must be exposed is exposed, thereby improving electromagnetic compatibility performance. Exemplarily, the first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable can have the same configuration.

[0061] In some embodiments, the divider can include a first groove and a second groove for each of the plurality of flexible flat cables. The first groove and the second groove can extend along a length direction of the flexible flat cable and oppose along a width direction of the flexible flat cable. The two side edges of the flexible flat cable can be inserted into the first groove and the second groove, respectively. The first groove and the second groove can press the inner side surface of the flexible flat cable against the surface of the divider from the two sides of the flexible flat cable, thereby limiting the flexible flat cable from being warped and prolonging the service life.

[0062] The inventor understands and appreciates a design of an electronic system. The electronic system can include a cable connector and a board connector. The cable connector can include a first housing assembly, a first conductive assembly held by the first housing assembly, and a first shielding assembly. The board connector can include a second housing assembly, a second conductive assembly held by the second housing assembly, and a second shielding assembly. When the cable connector and the board connector are mated, the first conductive assembly and the second conductive assembly are correspondingly electrically contacted, and the first shielding assembly and the second shielding assembly form a full shielding at the periphery of the first conductive assembly and the second conductive assembly. The structure of the full shielding can improve the performance of electromagnetic compatibility.

[0063] In some embodiments, an outer conductive layer can be disposed on the outer surface of the first housing assembly, and a conductive ring can be sleeved on the first housing assembly. The first shielding assembly includes the outer conductive layer and the conductive ring. The second shielding assembly can include a shielding shell held on the second housing assembly. The conductive ring is electrically connected between the outer conductive layer and the shielding shell when the cable connector and the board connector are mated. In this way, the outer conductive layer and the shielding shell form a reliable electrical connection to achieve full shielding. Exemplarily, the conductive ring can be made of an elastic material such as conductive rubber. Exemplarily, the conductive ring can also form a seal between the first housing assembly and the second housing assembly.

[0064] In some embodiments, a recess can be disposed on the outer surface of the first housing assembly. The recess can be configured to receive the conductive ring. The conductive ring disposed in the recess can protrude from the outer surface of the first housing assembly. In this way, when the cable connector is inserted into the board connector, excessive resistance is not generated, and the conductive ring is not damaged by being excessively pressed.

[0065] As FIGS. 1A-1BA portion of an electronic system, such as used in an automobile, is shown for interconnecting a plurality of electronic devices in the electronic system. As shown, the electronic system can include a cable connector 10 and a board connector 20 that are adapted to each other and detachably connected to each other. The board connector 20 can be mounted to a circuit board, such as a first circuit board 30. The cable connector 10 can include a plurality of flexible flat cables 200 arranged in a stack. The cable connector 10 can be electrically connected with an electronic device, such as another circuit board (e.g., a second circuit board), through the plurality of flexible flat cables 200 arranged in a stack to allow the second circuit board to be at a distance from the first circuit board 30. The cable connector 10 and the board connector 20 can provide interconnection between the first circuit board 30 and the second circuit board. Typically, the first circuit board 30 with the board connector 20 mounted thereon can be fixed to another electronic device. In a harsh environment, such as presented by an automobile, the electronic system can provide transmission of data signals while subjected to vibration.

[0066] INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE FIGS. 2-5 The cable connector 10 can include a first housing assembly 100, a plurality of flexible flat cables 200 arranged in a stack, and a divider 130. In some embodiments, the first housing assembly 100 can be molded from a material such as plastic. The plastic can include, but is not limited to, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high temperature nylon, or polyphenylene oxide (PPO) or polypropylene (PP), or any other suitable material. In some cases, the plastic can be a thermoset plastic. In some cases, the insulating plastic can include an insulating material such as glass fiber reinforcement. The plastic material is light weight and has some deformation capability under external force, so that the plurality of portions of the first housing assembly 100 can be assembled together by providing snaps, thereby reducing assembly cost. In other embodiments, the first housing assembly 100 can be made of metal material, such as by stamping from a metal sheet, or by casting or other forming methods. The present application does not exclude embodiments in which the first housing assembly 100 is made of a material such as ceramic.

[0067] A connector lockout assembly 400 can be mounted on the first housing assembly 100. Illustratively, the first housing assembly 100 can include a first lockout feature 112. The connector lockout assembly 400 can be retained on the first housing assembly 100 by cooperating with the first lockout feature 112. In use, for ease of viewing and handling, the first lockout feature 112 is typically upwardly facing, and the cable connector 10 is mated to the board connector 20. Thus, the side having the first lockout feature 112 can be referred to as the top side of the first housing assembly 100. Illustratively, the board connector 20 can include a second lockout feature 26. After the cable connector 10 is mated to the board connector 20, the first lockout feature 112 can be locked with the second lockout feature 26 by operating the connector lockout assembly 400 to prevent the two connectors from being inadvertently separated. One of the first lockout feature 112 and the second lockout feature 26 can be configured to include a protrusion, and the other can be configured to include a recess and / or groove that can engage the protrusion.

[0068] The first housing assembly 100 can include a first mating end 101 that can be shaped to fit the board connector 20. The first housing assembly 100 can also include a first connection end 102. The first connection end 102 and the first mating end 101 can be located at opposite ends of the first housing assembly 100. The first conductive assembly can include a cable such as the flexible flat cable 200. The end of the flexible flat cable 200 can be mounted into the first housing assembly 100 from the first connection end 102 and extend to the first mating end 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the first mating end 101 is substantially parallel to the axis of the first connection end 102, and thus the end of the flexible flat cable 200 within the first housing assembly 100 is substantially straight. In an embodiment not shown, the first mating end 101 can be perpendicular to the axis of the first connection end 102, and the end of the flexible flat cable 200 within the first housing assembly 100 can have a bend. Illustratively, the first housing assembly 100 can include a mounting channel 103 extending from the first connection end 102 to the first mating end 101, and the end of the flexible flat cable 200 can be mounted in the mounting channel 103. In some embodiments, the first housing assembly 100 can be unitary, and the mounting channel 103 can be formed by the draft. In other embodiments, the mounting channel 103 can be formed in the unitary first housing assembly 100 by machining or injection molding. In embodiments where the first housing assembly 100 is assembled from at least two parts, the mounting channel 103 can be provided on one of the parts in some embodiments, and the mounting channel 103 can be formed by the inner surfaces of two or more parts in other embodiments.

[0069] Reference is made to FIG. 3The flexible flat cable 200 can include a base 210, cable conductors 220 formed on the base 210, and an insulating layer 230 covering the cable conductors 220. The base 210 can be insulating. The base 210 generally has a thickness and mechanical strength greater than the insulating layer 230, but has a certain flexibility. The cable conductors 220 can be formed on the base 210 by adhesion or hot melting, etc. The insulating layer 230 can expose the cable conductors 220 on the ends of the corresponding end portions of the flexible flat cable 200 to form contact pads 270. The contact pads 270 can be located within the first mating end portion 101.

[0070] The board connector 20 can include a second housing assembly and a second conductive assembly 22 held by the second housing assembly. The second housing assembly can include a second mating end portion 20A and a second mounting end portion 20B at two ends. The second mating end portion 20A is configured to be adapted in shape to the first mating end portion 101. Exemplarily, the second mating end portion 20A and the first mating end portion 101 can be complementary in shape so that the cable connector 10 is accurately positioned on the board connector 20. The second conductive assembly 22 can extend from the second mating end portion 20A to the second mounting end portion 20B. The second conductive assembly 22 can include a plurality of conductive terminals for electrically connecting to the contact pads 270 correspondingly after the cable connector 10 is mated with the board connector 20. As shown, the second mounting end portion 20B can be mounted to the first circuit board 30 so that the plurality of conductive terminals of the second conductive assembly 22 form electrical connections with circuits on the first circuit board 30, thereby interconnecting the first circuit board 30 and the cable connector 10. To reliably secure the board connector 20 on the first circuit board 30, the board connector 20 can further include a board lock 23A. Exemplarily, the first circuit board 30 can be provided with a solder pad via 31. The board lock 23A can be mounted into the solder pad via 31, thereby securing the board connector 20 to the first circuit board 30. In some embodiments, the second housing assembly can also be molded from a material such as plastic. The plastic can include, but is not limited to, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-temperature nylon, or polyphenylene oxide (PPO) or polypropylene (PP), or any other suitable material. In some cases, the plastic can be a thermoset plastic. In some cases, the insulating plastic can contain insulating materials such as glass fiber reinforcement. The plastic is light, elastic, easy to process, and low in cost.

[0071] Optionally, the contact pads 270 of the first conductive assembly and / or the surfaces of the second conductive assembly 22 can be formed with a noble metal layer, thereby avoiding poor contact caused by oxidation.

[0072] As FIG. 3 , FIGS. 4A-4B and FIG. 5As shown, the cable connector 10 can include a plurality of flexible flat cables 200 arranged in a stack. The end portions of the plurality of flexible flat cables 200 extend from the first connection end portion 102 to the first mating end portion 101, for example, via the mounting passage 103, and are held within the mounting passage 103 of the first housing assembly 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible flat cables 200 can be configured to have contact pads 270. The contact pads 270 can be located within the first mating end portion 101. Optionally, the plurality of flexible flat cables 200 are arranged in pairs, with each pair of flexible flat cables 200 arranged in a stack along the thickness direction of the flexible flat cables 200. The contact pads 270 of each pair of flexible flat cables 200 can be oriented in opposite directions to facilitate electrical contact with terminals on a mating electrical connector. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable connector 10 can include a pair of flexible flat cables 200. In other embodiments, the cable connector 10 can include a plurality of pairs of flexible flat cables 200, which can be arranged in rows along the width direction of the flexible flat cables 200. Optionally, more than two flexible flat cables 200 can be arranged along the stacking direction of the flexible flat cables 200. In this case, the contact pads 270 of the flexible flat cables 200 oriented toward the same side can be staggered along their length direction to expose the contact pads 270 of the underlying flexible flat cables 200.

[0073] Exemplarily, the cable connector 10 can further include separators 130. Each separator 130 is clamped between any adjacent flexible flat cables 200 among the plurality of flexible flat cables 200. Optionally, the separators 130 are clamped by the first housing assembly 100 along the stacking direction of the plurality of flexible flat cables 200. Typically, each separator 130 can correspond to two flexible flat cables 200. In the illustrated embodiment, two flexible flat cables 200, i.e., a first flexible flat cable 200A and a second flexible flat cable 200B, are included along the stacking direction. Specifically, the opposite surfaces of the separator 130 can respectively abut against the back surfaces of the first flexible flat cable 200A and the second flexible flat cable 200B. In the illustrated embodiment, the portions of the first flexible flat cable 200A and the second flexible flat cable 200B having the contact pads 270 can be fully supported on the separators 130, so as to ensure that the contact pads 270 are abutted against flat surfaces. When the cable connector 10 is mated with the board connector 20, the terminals of the board connector 20 can be preferably pressed against the contact pads 270 supported by the separators 130, to ensure good electrical contact. Optionally, the separators 130 can be significantly longer than the contact pads 270 along the length direction of the flexible flat cables 200, so that more portions of the flexible flat cables 200 can be supported on the separators 130. In this case, the first flexible flat cable 200A and the second flexible flat cable 200B on both sides can be respectively clamped between the separators 130 and the top shell 110 of the first housing assembly 100 (as will be mentioned later) and the separators 130 and the bottom shell 120 of the first housing assembly 100 (as will be mentioned later), through the cooperation of the separators 130 and the first housing assembly 100.

[0074] Optionally, in other embodiments not shown, three or more layers of flexible flat cables 200 can be provided along the stacking direction. For each group of stacked flexible flat cables 200, the number of separators can be one less than the number of flexible flat cables 200, to form an arrangement in which the separators 130 and the flexible flat cables 200 are alternately arranged.

[0075] Exemplarily, the separators 130 can be installed in the mounting passages 103 to space apart the at least two flexible flat cables 200 that are stacked, and to position the end portions of the flexible flat cables 200. Thus, the separators 130 can have the flat sheet structure shown in the figures. In some embodiments, the separators 130 can be inserted into the mounting passages 103 from the first connecting end portion 102, and can be fixed in the mounting passages 103 by means of buckles, screws, or the like. In general, the end portions of the plurality of flexible flat cables 200 and the separators can be retained in the housing assembly by any suitable means. Referring back to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first housing assembly 100 can include multiple parts, whereby the divider 130 and the flexible flat cables 200 can be mounted to a first cable part of the multiple parts before the multiple parts are assembled, and the remaining second part is assembled with the first part, thereby positioning the divider 130 and / or the flexible flat cables 200, with the flexible flat cables 200 extending out of the first housing assembly 100 from the rear opening of the mounting channel 103. Since the divider 130 has two large and opposite flat surfaces, each of the flat surfaces can support an end of a flexible flat cable 200. In an embodiment not shown, the width of the two flat surfaces can be larger than the width of the end of the flexible flat cable 200, so that each flat surface can support multiple ends of the flexible flat cables 200 side by side.

[0076] In some embodiments, the mounting channel 103 can include a first channel part to accommodate the divider 130 and a second channel part located at the rear side of the first channel part. As shown, the divider 130 can divide the front part of the mounting channel 103, i.e. the first channel part, into a first mounting channel 103A and a second mounting channel 103B, for example. The first mounting channel 103A and the second mounting channel 103B can each extend from the first mating end 101 towards the first connection end 102, and be spaced apart from the second channel part where the first connection end 102 is provided. As shown, along the stacking direction of the flexible flat cables 200, the divider 130 is located in the middle of the mounting channel 103 to divide the first mounting channel 103A and the second mounting channel 103B at the upper side and the lower side of the divider 130, respectively. The ends of the first flexible flat cable 200A and the second flexible flat cable 200B can be inserted into the first mounting channel 103A and the second mounting channel 103B, respectively. In the first mating end 101, along the width direction of the flexible flat cables 200, the divider 130 is also spaced apart from the first housing assembly 100. Thus, the inner part of the second mating end 20A of the board connector 20 can be inserted into the first annular cavity 106 between the divider 130 and the first housing assembly 100 to increase the mechanical strength of the connection. As will be described later, the second mating end 20A of the board connector 20 also has an outer part that can be sleeved on the outside of the first mating end 101 of the first housing assembly 100 to further enhance the strength of the mechanical connection. The position of the divider 130 in the first mating end 101 of the first housing assembly 100 is related to the mating connector. FIGS. 4A-4B FIG. 5 As shown, along the stacking direction of the flexible flat cables 200, the divider 130 is located in the middle of the mounting channel 103 to divide the first mounting channel 103A and the second mounting channel 103B at the upper side and the lower side of the divider 130, respectively. The ends of the first flexible flat cable 200A and the second flexible flat cable 200B can be inserted into the first mounting channel 103A and the second mounting channel 103B, respectively. In the first mating end 101, along the width direction of the flexible flat cables 200, the divider 130 is also spaced apart from the first housing assembly 100. Thus, the inner part of the second mating end 20A of the board connector 20 can be inserted into the first annular cavity 106 between the divider 130 and the first housing assembly 100 to increase the mechanical strength of the connection. As will be described later, the second mating end 20A of the board connector 20 also has an outer part that can be sleeved on the outside of the first mating end 101 of the first housing assembly 100 to further enhance the strength of the mechanical connection. The position of the divider 130 in the first mating end 101 of the first housing assembly 100 is related to the mating connector.

[0077] As shown, along the stacking direction of the flexible flat cables 200, the divider 130 is located in the middle of the mounting channel 103 to divide the first mounting channel 103A and the second mounting channel 103B at the upper side and the lower side of the divider 130, respectively. The ends of the first flexible flat cable 200A and the second flexible flat cable 200B can be inserted into the first mounting channel 103A and the second mounting channel 103B, respectively. In the first mating end 101, along the width direction of the flexible flat cables 200, the divider 130 is also spaced apart from the first housing assembly 100. Thus, the inner part of the second mating end 20A of the board connector 20 can be inserted into the first annular cavity 106 between the divider 130 and the first housing assembly 100 to increase the mechanical strength of the connection. As will be described later, the second mating end 20A of the board connector 20 also has an outer part that can be sleeved on the outside of the first mating end 101 of the first housing assembly 100 to further enhance the strength of the mechanical connection. The position of the divider 130 in the first mating end 101 of the first housing assembly 100 is related to the mating connector. FIG. 3 ​In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing assembly 100 can include a top housing 110 and a bottom housing 120. By manufacturing the top housing 110 and the bottom housing 120 separately, the groove 140 can be molded inside the top housing 110 and the bottom housing 120 to reduce the amount of material used and the weight of the top housing 110 and the bottom housing 120. Reinforcing ribs 150 can be retained within the groove 140 to ensure the mechanical strength of the top housing 110 and the bottom housing 120. The divider 130 and the plurality of flexible flat cables 200 are clamped between the top housing 110 and the bottom housing 120. As described above, the first housing assembly 100 is divided into at least two parts, the top housing 110 and the bottom housing 120, which can form the mounting channel. In some embodiments, the bottom housing 120 can form the lower half of the mounting channel and the top housing 110 can form the upper half of the mounting channel. When the top housing 110 and the bottom housing 120 are separated, the mounting channel is divided into two parts at the largest cross-sectional area of the mounting channel. Thus, when the top housing 110 is separated from the bottom housing 120, an opening can be formed in the bottom housing 120 to facilitate the installation of the divider 130 and the flexible flat cables 200. In other embodiments, the top housing 110 can form the left half or the right half of the mounting channel and the bottom housing 120 can form the complementary half of the mounting channel to the top housing 110.

[0078] Illustratively, the first mounting channel 103A can be formed between the divider 130 and the top housing 110 and the second mounting channel 103B can be formed between the divider 130 and the bottom housing 120. Thus, the cable connector has a simple structure and is easy to assemble.

[0079] In use, a user typically holds the top housing 110 and the bottom housing 120 with fingers and inserts the cable connector 10 into the board connector 20. Thus, the first housing assembly 100 is divided into two parts, the top housing 110 and the bottom housing 120, which not only facilitates molding but also makes it difficult to accidentally separate the top housing 110 and the bottom housing 120 during daily operation. The top housing 110 can include a first latching feature 112 configured to operate with the connector latching assembly 400 to facilitate the operation of the connector latching assembly 400.

[0080] Exemplarily, the connector locking assembly 400 can be moved forward or backward along the length direction of the flexible flat cable 200. Here and the orientation term "forward" refers to the direction along the length of the flexible flat cable 200 and towards the mating electrical connector. Conversely, the orientation term "backward" refers to the direction along the length of the flexible flat cable 200 and away from the mating electrical connector. When it is required to lock the interconnected cable connector 10 and the board connector 20, the connector locking assembly 400 can be pushed forward until it is inserted into the gap between the first locking feature 112 and the top shell 110. Exemplarily, the first locking feature 112 can be configured with a latching protrusion which can engage with a locking opening on the board connector 20, thereby achieving the locking of the cable connector 10 and the board connector 20. When it is required to unlock the cable connector 10 and the board connector 20, the connector locking assembly 400 can be moved backward. The connector locking assembly 400 exits the gap between the first locking feature 112 and the top shell 110, so that the first locking feature 112 can be moved towards the top shell 110 under the action of an external force. In this way, the latching protrusion can be disengaged from the locking opening of the board connector 20, so that the cable connector 10 and the board connector 20 can be separated from each other under the action of an external force. Of course, the present application does not exclude other forms of connector locking assembly.

[0081] Exemplarily, one of the top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120 can include a buckle, and the other of the top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120 includes an engaging portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the top shell 110 is provided with a buckle 111 protruding outward, and the bottom shell 120 is provided with an engaging portion 121 extending towards the top shell 110. Exemplarily, the engaging portion 121 can have a certain elasticity and include an opening. When the top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120 are fitted, the engaging portion 121 can be deflected outward under the guidance of the inclined surface of the buckle 111, so as to be locked by being sleeved on the buckle 111 and blocked by the blocking surface. Such an arrangement can facilitate the stripping when the top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120 are injection molded. In an embodiment not shown, the engaging portion 121 can be provided on the bottom shell 120, and the buckle can be provided on the top shell 110. The buckle engages with the engaging portion, so that the top shell 110 is fixed to the bottom shell 120. In this way, the top shell 110 can be fixed to the bottom shell 120 at a lower cost and detachably through the buckle 111 and the engaging portion 121.

[0082] In combination with reference to FIGS. 6A-6B and FIGS. 7A-7BIn some embodiments, the second positioning pin 113 can be provided on the top shell 110, and the positioning hole 122 can be provided on the bottom shell 120. In other embodiments, the second positioning pin 113 can be provided on the bottom shell 120, and the positioning hole 122 can be provided on the top shell 110. In yet other embodiments, the second positioning pin 113 can be provided on both the top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120, and the positioning hole 122 can be provided on both the top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120. FIG. 5 An example of the second positioning pin 113 inserted into the positioning hole 122 is shown.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first shell assembly 100 can further include a positioning slot 170, and the divider 130 can include a first positioning pin 134 inserted into the positioning slot 170 to position the divider 130 in the first shell assembly 100. In some embodiments, the first positioning pin 134 can be tightly fitted with the positioning slot 170. In this way, the first positioning pin 134 can be used to limit the position of the divider 130 along the length and width of the flexible flat cable 200 after the first positioning pin 134 is inserted into the positioning slot 170.

[0084] In embodiments where the first shell assembly 100 includes the top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120, at least one of the top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120 can include a positioning slot, and the divider 130 can include a first positioning pin 134 protruding in a direction in which the top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120 are fitted. The first positioning pin 134 is inserted into the positioning slot to position the divider 130 along the length and width of the mounting channel. In some embodiments, the first positioning pin 134 of the divider 130 can be inserted into the positioning slot of the top shell 110 to be fixed to the top shell 110. After the top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120 are fixed, the divider 130 is positioned in the first shell assembly 100. In other embodiments, the first positioning pin 134 of the divider 130 can be inserted into the positioning slot of the bottom shell 120 to be positioned. In some embodiments, the divider 130 can include one or more pairs of first positioning pins 134 extending in opposite directions, such that each pair of the divider 130 can be inserted into the positioning slot of the top shell 110 and the positioning slot of the bottom shell 120, respectively. In summary, the first positioning pin 134 and the positioning slot can facilitate the positioning of the divider 130 in the first shell assembly 100. The top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120, which are detachable from each other, can facilitate the installation of the divider 130.

[0085] In some embodiments, the two side edges of the divider 130 can include divider lugs 133, as shown in FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, the divider lugs 133 can be used to position the divider 130 in the first shell assembly 100. FIG. 3 、 FIG. 5 and FIGS. 8-11The top housing 110 and the bottom housing 120 can also clamp the divider lugs 133 on both the top and bottom sides, respectively, so that the divider 130 can be positioned along the stacking direction of the flexible flat cables 200. The two side edges of the end portion of each flexible flat cable 200 also include cable lugs 260. In some embodiments, the first housing assembly 100 can include receiving grooves corresponding to the cable lugs 260 and the divider lugs 133, respectively. In the length direction, the cable lugs 260 can abut the groove walls of the corresponding receiving grooves, thereby serving as a position-limiting function. The receiving grooves corresponding to the divider lugs 133 can limit the position of the divider. The depth of the receiving grooves that accommodate the cable lugs 260 can be close to the thickness of the cable lugs 260, thereby limiting the position of the flexible flat cables 200 along the stacking direction and / or reducing the gap within the cable connector. Similarly, the receiving grooves that accommodate the divider lugs 133 can also have a depth close to the thickness of the divider lugs 133. Alternatively, multiple cable lugs 260 and multiple divider lugs 133 can also be accommodated in one receiving groove. As long as the function thereof is achieved, i.e., limiting the position of the cable lugs 260 and the divider lugs 133 at least along the length direction and the stacking direction of the flexible flat cables 200.

[0086] In some embodiments, the cable lugs 260 can be provided in one-to-one correspondence with the divider lugs 133 in position. In other words, the cable lugs 260 and the divider lugs 133 can be aligned along the length direction of the flexible flat cables 200. The cable lugs 260 can be formed on the portion of the flexible flat cable 200 that does not include the cable conductors 220. The cable lugs 260 and the divider lugs 133 can be engaged with the first housing assembly 100 together to limit the position of the flexible flat cables 200 and the divider 130 along the length direction of the flexible flat cables 200. In embodiments not shown, the top housing 110 and the bottom housing 120 can also position the flexible flat cables 200 and the divider 130 along the length direction by clamping the cable lugs 260 toward the direction of the divider lugs 133, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, the cable lugs 260 and the divider lugs 133 can be formed on the same side of the flexible flat cables 200. In other embodiments not shown, the cable lugs 260 and the divider lugs 133 can be formed on opposite sides of the flexible flat cables 200. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6AAs shown, the top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120 of the first housing assembly 100 can each be provided with a lug groove 160. The cable lug 260 and the divider lug 133 can be matched with the lug groove 160. The cable lug 260 and the divider lug 133 can be embedded in the lug groove 160. After the top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120 of the first housing assembly 100 are connected, the flexible flat cable 200 and the divider 130 can be positioned from the stacking direction of the flexible flat cable 200. Specifically, in some embodiments, the first housing assembly 100, such as the top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120, can directly press against the flexible flat cable 200. In some preferred embodiments, the first housing assembly 100 can only press against the cable lug 260 from the stacking direction. In some embodiments, the first housing assembly 100 only presses against the divider 130 without pressing against the flexible flat cable 200. The divider 130 can position the flexible flat cable 200 along the stacking direction. In the length direction, the edges of the cable lug 260 and the divider lug 133 abut in the lug groove 160 to serve as positioning. In the width direction, the first housing assembly 100 can tightly fit with both sides of the flexible flat cable 200 when the flexible flat cable 200 is installed to the first housing assembly 100, thereby serving as limiting. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the flexible flat cable 200 and the divider 130 are limited by the clamping of the cable lug 260 and the divider lug 133 with the first housing assembly 100 in the length direction rather than in the stacking direction. In this way, a large clamping force between the top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120 is not required, the strength of the material and the assembly precision are not required to be high, and the cost is low.

[0087] In some embodiments, each flexible flat cable 200 can include a plurality of cable lugs 260 arranged along the length direction of the flexible flat cable 200. The divider 130 can also include a plurality of divider lugs 133 arranged along the length direction of the flexible flat cable 200. After the flexible flat cable 200 and the divider 130 are installed to the first housing assembly 100, the projection of the cable lug 260 on the divider 130 can all fall within the divider lug 133, for example. In this way, the divider lug 133 can support the cable lug 260 and is not prone to crushing the cable lug 260.

[0088] In use, the flexible flat cable 200 can be warped due to aging, vibration, or its own stress. In this way, the flexible flat cable 200 or the conductive terminal of the board connector 20 can be damaged when the cable connector 10 is mated with the board connector 20. For each of the plurality of flexible flat cables 200, the divider 130 can include a first groove 131 and a second groove, for example. FIGS. 8-9The first groove 131 is shown in FIG. 1. A second groove can be symmetrically arranged with the first groove 131 about an axis along the length direction of the flexible flat cable 200. The first groove 131 and the second groove can extend along the length direction of the corresponding flexible flat cable 200 and be opposite along the width direction of the corresponding flexible flat cable 200. The two side edges of the corresponding flexible flat cable 200 are respectively inserted into the first groove 131 and the second groove. In combination with the description of FIG. 8 , FIG. 9 and FIG. 11 , the divider 130 can be axis-symmetric, not only symmetric about the center line along the width direction, but also symmetric about the center line along the stacking direction. The first groove 131 and the second groove can be arranged on both the top surface and the bottom surface of the divider 130. Thus, for each flexible flat cable 200, the first groove 131 and the second groove can press the flexible flat cable 200 from both sides against the surface of the divider 130, thereby limiting the flexible flat cable 200 from being warped and prolonging the service life.

[0089] In some embodiments, for each of the plurality of flexible flat cables 200, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B and FIGS. 8-9 , the divider 130 can include a boss 135 arranged at the front end thereof. The boss 135 can extend along the width direction of the corresponding flexible flat cable 200. The corresponding flexible flat cable 200 can be arranged behind the boss 135 and abut against the rear surface of the boss 135. Thus, when the corresponding flexible flat cable 200 is installed to the divider 130, the end thereof can be abutted against the boss 135 to determine that it is installed in place. For the above-mentioned embodiments in which the flexible flat cable 200 is inserted into the first groove 131 and the second groove on both sides thereof, the flexible flat cable 200 can only be installed along the length direction, and the boss 135 can further ensure the accuracy of the installation position of the flexible flat cable 200. The boss 135 can be higher than the contact pad 270 of the corresponding flexible flat cable 200. In some embodiments, the front end of the boss 135 (the side facing away from the contact pad 270) can be provided with a chamfer. When the cable connector is inserted into the board connector, the conductive terminal of the board connector can be guided to the surface of the boss 135 under the action of the chamfer and pass over the boss 135 to smoothly fall on the contact pad 270 of the flexible flat cable 200. Thus, the conductive terminal of the board connector can be prevented from being stuck at the front end of the flexible flat cable 200, thereby preventing the front end of the flexible flat cable 200 from being warped. Moreover, the boss 135 can shield the gap between the inner side surface of the flexible flat cable 200 and the divider 130. Thus, the end of the conductive terminal can be prevented from being accidentally inserted into the gap between the flexible flat cable 200 and the divider 130, thereby preventing the conductive terminal or the flexible flat cable 200 from being damaged.

[0090] In some embodiments, further, the rear surface of the boss 135 is inclined toward the rear along the protruding direction of the boss 135. In other words, a portion of the rear surface of the boss 135 can be covered above the flat flexible cable 200. In this case, even if the flat flexible cable 200 delaminates due to aging or has a tendency to curl upward, the rear surface of the boss 135 can exert a pressure toward the partition 130 on the curled portion, ensuring that at least the portion against the rear surface of the boss 135 does not curl. This can avoid the situation that the flat flexible cable 200 is fixed only by the first and second grooves 131, 132 without being stressed in the middle and curling. In some embodiments, even if the partition 130 is not provided with the first and second grooves 131, 132, such that the flat flexible cable 200 is not fixed on both sides of the partition 130, only relying on the rear surface of the boss 135 inclined toward the rear can effectively avoid the flat flexible cable 200 from curling. It should be noted that the rear surface of the boss 135 extends toward the rear with a small size, which hardly affects the contact area of the contact disc 270. Moreover, the inclined rear surface of the boss 135 can also better shield the front end of the flat flexible cable 200, further preventing the front end of the flat flexible cable 200 from curling.

[0091] To improve the signal integrity of the electronic system including the cable connector 10 and the board connector 20, optionally, the cable connector 10 can include a first shielding assembly. The board connector 20 can include a second shielding assembly. The first shielding assembly can include the conductive layer mentioned below. In the case that the first housing assembly 100 is made of a conductive material such as metal, the first shielding assembly further includes the first housing assembly 100. The second shielding assembly can include the shielding shell 23, as FIGS. 16-17As shown, the shielding shell 23 can partially or fully surround the second conductive component 22 along the circumferential direction of the board connector 20. The first and second shielding components form a full shield when the cable connector 10 and the board connector 20 mate. In some embodiments, the first and second shielding components can substantially completely surround the contact portion of the first and second conductive components 22 along the circumferential direction to form a full shield. In other embodiments, the first and second shielding components can substantially completely surround the portion of the second conductive component 22 within the board connector 20 and the portion of the first conductive component within the first housing assembly 100 of the cable connector 10 along the circumferential direction to form a full shield. Exemplarily, the first and / or second shielding components can be electrically connected to the same reference voltage, such as ground. Exemplarily, the first and second shielding components can be electrically connected to the same reference voltage, respectively. Exemplarily, the first and second shielding components can be electrically contacted to each other after the cable connector 10 and the board connector 20 mate. In this case, the first and second shielding components can be selectively electrically connected to the reference voltage. For example, board connector 20 is mounted to first circuit board 30, and second shielding assembly can be electrically connected to a reference voltage on first circuit board 30.

[0092] like FIG. 4B As shown, for a first housing assembly 100 made of insulating materials such as plastic or ceramic, the first housing assembly 100 may further include conductive layers disposed on its surface, such as an inner conductive layer 104 and / or an outer conductive layer 105. A first shielding assembly may include conductive layers. Optionally, the inner conductive layer 104 may partially cover the inner surface of the first housing assembly 100, i.e., the inner wall of the mounting channel 103. Exemplarily, the inner conductive layer 104 may substantially surround the flexible flat cable 200 in the circumferential direction, thereby providing good electromagnetic shielding and improving the electromagnetic compatibility (EMI) performance of the electrical connector. Exemplarily, the inner conductive layer 104 may be located at the first mating end 101. The inner conductive layer 104 may extend rearward from the front surface of the first mating end 101 facing the adapter electrical connector, for example, extending at least beyond the contact pad 270. For example, the inner conductive layer 104 may extend rearward from the front surface of the first mating end 101 for 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100% of the total length of the first housing assembly 100, or any value between them. FIG. 4CEmbodiments are shown in which the inner conductive layer 104' extends the entire length of the first housing assembly 100. Optionally, the outer conductive layer 105 can partially cover the outer surface of the first housing assembly 100. Illustratively, the outer conductive layer 105 can substantially surround the flexible flat cable 200 along the circumferential direction of the flexible flat cable 200, thereby functioning as a good electromagnetic shield and improving the electromagnetic compatibility of the electrical connector. Illustratively, the outer conductive layer 105 can be located at the first mating end portion 101. The outer conductive layer 105 can extend rearward from the front surface of the first mating end portion 101 facing the mating electrical connector, for example, at least to the conductive ring 300. The conductive ring 300 can electrically connect with the shielding assembly on the board connector 20 when the cable connector 10 mates with the board connector 20. Illustratively, the outer conductive layer 105 can extend rearward from the front surface of the first mating end portion 101 for 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100% of the total length of the first housing assembly 100, or any value therebetween. FIG. 4C Embodiments are shown in which the outer conductive layer 105' extends the entire length of the first housing assembly 100. Optionally, the inner conductive layer 104 covering a portion of the inner surface of the first housing assembly 100 can be employed in the case that the outer conductive layer 105' covers the outer surface of the first housing assembly 100 along the entire length. Optionally, the inner conductive layer 104' covering the entire inner surface of the first housing assembly 100 can be employed in the case that the outer conductive layer 105 covers a portion of the outer surface of the first housing assembly 100 along the length. In some embodiments, the conductive layer can continuously cover a portion or the entirety of the surface of the first housing assembly 100. In some embodiments, the conductive layer can discontinuously cover a portion or the entirety of the surface of the first housing assembly 100. For example, the conductive layer can be arranged in a grid pattern on the surface of the first housing assembly 100.

[0093] In one illustrative embodiment, the conductive layer can cover the entire inner surface or the entire outer surface of the first housing assembly 100. This can function as a better shield. Illustratively, the conductive layer can be formed by spraying, electroplating, chemical plating, etc. In the long-term use, the portion of the conductive layer inserted into the board connector 20 can be partially peeled off due to long-term friction. Covering the entire inner surface or the entire outer surface of the first housing assembly 100 with the conductive layer can enable the remaining conductive layer to still provide the desired shielding effect.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, the conductive layer can cover the entire surface of the first housing assembly 100. The conductive layer is closed on the surface of the first housing assembly 100 without any edge that can be seen to have a cross section. Based on this, in the case that the conductive layer has a proper adhesion with the first housing assembly 100, the conductive layer of different areas can apply a tensile stress to each other, further preventing the conductive layer from peeling off from the first housing assembly 100. In addition, a more desirable method of forming the conductive layer on the first housing assembly 100 includes electrochemical plating, which is more desirable at least in terms of precisely controlling the layer thickness and ensuring the uniformity of the layer. In the case of forming the conductive layer using this process, it is easier to form a continuous and complete conductive layer on the entire surface of the first housing assembly 100.

[0095] The fully closed conductive layer can also necessarily electrically connect the outer conductive layer 105 on the outer surface of the first housing assembly 100 with the inner conductive layer 104 on the inner surface of the first housing assembly 100. In the embodiment in which the flexible flat cable 200 has a shielding layer 250 on the surface thereof, the shielding layer 250 can be electrically connected with the shielding shell 23 of the board connector 20 through the fully closed conductive layer. Based on this, the conductive layer together with the shielding shell 23 can form a full shielding for the conductors in the cable connector 10 and the board connector 20. In addition, the shielding layer 250 can substantially cover the cable along the length and width directions of the flexible flat cable 200, except for the contact pads 270 that need to be exposed. However, since the contact pads 270 are located inside the insulating housing that is shielded by the conductive layer, the contact pads 270 can also be well shielded. Thus, the shielding layer 250 together with the conductive layer and the shielding shell 23 can form a full shielding for all the conductors in the cable connector 10 and the board connector 20. Furthermore, the fully closed conductive layer can prevent foreign matters, such as water vapor, organic vapor, etc., from invading between the conductive layer and the first housing assembly 100, so that the conductive layer and the first housing assembly 100 can always maintain a sufficient adhesion and are not prone to peeling. In some embodiments, the conductive layer can also be configured to protect the first housing assembly 100, improving the wear resistance, high temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance of the first housing assembly 100.

[0096] In some embodiments, the conductive layer may include a conductive paint sprayed onto the first housing assembly 100. In other embodiments, the conductive layer may include a plating formed on the first housing assembly 100 by, for example, electrochemical plating. Electrochemical plating allows the conductive layer to be formed at virtually all locations on the first housing assembly 100, resulting in a uniform thickness and a smooth surface. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first housing assembly 100 may include multiple independent portions. In this case, the conductive layers of the multiple portions of the first housing assembly 100 may be in electrical contact with each other, thereby forming the shielding structure surrounding the mounting channel 103 described above. In other embodiments, the first housing assembly 100 may also be integral. The first mating end 101 may be complementary in shape to the second mating end 20A of the adapted board connector 20. In some embodiments, when the first mating end 101 can be inserted into the second mating end 20A of the board connector 20, the complementary configuration can improve the connection strength between the first housing assembly 100 and the board connector 20.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first shielding assembly may further include a conductive member. The conductive member may be disposed on the first mating end 101 of the cable connector 10. The conductive member is in electrical contact with the outer conductive layer 105 or 105' disposed on the outer surface of the first housing assembly 100, and the conductive member protrudes from the mating surface of the first mating end 101 of the first housing assembly 100. In some embodiments, the mating surface of the first mating end 101 may mate with the shielding shell 23 of the board connector 20 when the first mating end 101 of the cable connector 10 mates with the board connector 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating surface may include at least a portion of the outer surface of the first mating end 101. In other embodiments not shown, the mating surface may include at least a portion of the front end face or at least a portion of the inner surface of the first mating end 101; or may include multiple of the aforementioned surfaces. After the cable connector 10 and the board connector 20 mate with each other, the conductive layer on the first housing assembly 100 of the cable connector 10 may be electrically connected to the shielding shell 23 of the board connector 20 through the conductive member. This improves the shielding effect.

[0098] Exemplarily, the conductive member can include one or more of a conductive contact, a conductive foam, and a conductive glue, etc. In one embodiment, the conductive member can be disposed on one face of the mating end. In another embodiment, the conductive member can be disposed on multiple faces of the mating end. In yet another embodiment, the conductive member can be disposed around the first housing assembly 100 one or more times. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating surface is on the outer surface of the first mating end 101. When the cable connector 10 is mated to the board connector 20, the second mating end of the board connector 20 clamps the conductive member from the outside. In an embodiment not shown, the conductive member can be disposed on the inside of the first mating end 101. In this case, when the cable connector 10 is mated to the board connector 20, the second mating end of the board connector 20 can be inserted into the inside of the conductive member. The conductive member can function as an electrical connection between the first housing assembly 100 and the shield shell 23 of the board connector. In some preferred embodiments, the conductive member does not interfere with the process of mating the cable connector 10 to the board connector 20, or the process of separating the two. Even if the mating and separating are performed a sufficient number of times, the conductive member does not fail to form an electrical connection after mating.

[0099] In one specific embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 2 the conductive member can be a conductive ring 300. The conductive ring 300 can be more reliably fixed with the first housing assembly 100, and has a large enough contact area and strength to ensure that it does not fall off the first housing assembly 100. The conductive ring 300 can be sleeved on the part of the housing assembly that mates with the mating electrical connector. In some embodiments in which the shield shell 23 surrounds the second conductive assembly, the conductive ring 300 can achieve electrical connection from 360 degrees. When the cable connector 10 is subjected to an external force in the upward direction, the conductive ring 300 is in closer contact with the upper part of the shield shell 23; when the cable connector 10 is subjected to an external force in the downward direction, the conductive ring 300 is in closer contact with the lower part of the shield shell 23. In summary, no matter which direction the external force is in, the conductive ring 300 is always in close contact with at least one face of the shield shell 23, ensuring reliable electrical contact.

[0100] In some embodiments, the conductive member can be rigid. In some embodiments, the conductive member can be made of a conductive self-lubricating material. During the process of mating the cable connector 10 to the board connector 20, the shield shell 23 of the board connector 20 can elastically deform under the pressure of the conductive member, thereby maintaining a certain pressure between the two to avoid factors such as vibration causing poor electrical contact.

[0101] In other embodiments, the conductive ring 300 can be made of a resilient material, such as conductive rubber. In these embodiments, the shield shell 23 can be configured to be rigid to serve a protective function for the housing assembly of the board connector 10. The conductive ring 300 having resilience also makes it easier to install onto the first housing assembly 100. The conductive ring 300 having resilience is also easier to manufacture than the shield shell 23 having resilience, and can also serve a sealing function to prevent foreign matter from entering when the cable connector 10 is mated to the board connector 20.

[0102] As shown in Figs. 1 1 and 12, the board connector 20 can include a shield shell 23, which can serve as at least a portion of a second shield assembly. The conductive ring 300 electrically connects between the outer conductive layer 105 or 105' and the shield shell 23 when the cable connector 10 is mated to the board connector 20. In this way, the outer conductive layer 105 or 105' and the shield shell 23 can form a reliable electrical connection to achieve full shielding. FIGS. 1A-1B FIG. 2 As shown in Figs. 1 1 and 12, the board connector 20 can include a shield shell 23, which can serve as at least a portion of a second shield assembly. The conductive ring 300 electrically connects between the outer conductive layer 105 or 105' and the shield shell 23 when the cable connector 10 is mated to the board connector 20. In this way, the outer conductive layer 105 or 105' and the shield shell 23 can form a reliable electrical connection to achieve full shielding.

[0103] In some embodiments, the conductive ring 300 can be made of conductive rubber. The conductive ring 300 can be disposed in the recess 180 such that its surface is flush with the outer surface of the first housing assembly 100. This can prevent excessive resistance when the cable connector 10 is inserted into the board connector 20, and can also prevent the conductive ring 300 from being damaged by being squeezed too much. On the other hand, the conductive ring 300 made of conductive rubber has a relatively high friction. The recess 180 can serve as a stop for the conductive ring 300 to prevent it from moving due to friction when the cable connector 10 is inserted into or removed from the board connector 20. In other embodiments, the conductive ring 300 can be made of a metal material, such as an aluminum strip that is pressed around the recess 180 on the outer surface of the first housing assembly 100. In embodiments in which the first housing assembly 100 includes a top housing 1 10 and a bottom housing 120, the top housing 1 10 and the bottom housing 120 can include a first recess 181 and a second recess 182, respectively, which together form the annular recess 180. The conductive ring 300 can further ensure that the conductive layers of the top housing 1 10 and the bottom housing 120 are reliably electrically connected, and can also electrically connect the conductive layers of the first housing assembly 100 and the shield shell 23 of the board connector 20 when the cable connector 10 is inserted into the board connector 20, while also serving a sealing function to prevent dust from entering. In some embodiments, the conductive ring 300 can also reduce the force that the snap 1 1 1 and the engagement portion 121 must bear, depending on its strength or resilience.

[0104] ​To further enhance the shielding effect, the first shielding assembly can further include a shielding layer 250 formed on a surface of each of the plurality of flexible flat cables 200. With continued reference to FIG. 3 As previously described, the flexible flat cable 200 can include a base 210, cable conductors 220 formed in sequence on an inner surface of the base 210, and an insulating layer 230. The side edges of the flexible flat cable 200 can have portions that do not include the cable conductors 220. These portions can include only the base 210 alone, or the base 210 and the insulating layer 230 formed. Illustratively, a shielding layer 250 can be provided on a second face of the base 210 opposite the first face. Illustratively, a shielding layer 250 can be provided on a surface of the insulating layer 230. Illustratively, a shielding layer 250 can be provided on both the second face of the base 210 and the surface of the insulating layer 230. The shielding layer 250 can be spaced apart from the cable conductors 220 by the base 210 or the insulating layer 230. The shielding layer 250 can include one or more of a metal sheet, a conductive glue, a metal foil, etc., and have good electrical conductivity and flexibility. Thereby, the shielding layer 250 can both shield the cable conductors 220 and have little effect on the flexibility of the flexible flat cable 200. In FIG. 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the shielding layer 250 can be a copper foil or an aluminum foil.

[0105] Illustratively, the plurality of flexible flat cables 200 includes a first flexible flat cable 200A and a second flexible flat cable 200B. Each of the first flexible flat cable 200A and the second flexible flat cable 200B can include an inner surface 241 and an outer surface 242 opposite the inner surface 241, and the inner surfaces 241 of the first flexible flat cable 200A and the second flexible flat cable 200B face each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact pads 270 of the first flexible flat cable 200A and the second flexible flat cable 200B can be provided on the outer surfaces 242 of each of the two, such that the contact pads 270 of the two face in opposite directions. When the cable connector 10 is mated with the board connector 20, the two sets of conductive terminals of the board connector 20 can be pressed against the contact pads 270 of the first flexible flat cable 200A and the second flexible flat cable 200B, respectively, in opposite directions.

[0106] Exemplarily, the shielding layer 250 can include an inner side shielding layer 251 disposed on the inner side surface 241 of at least one of the first flexible flat cable 200A and the second flexible flat cable 200B. The inner side shielding layer 251 extends forwardly to the end of the corresponding flexible flat cable 200A and / or 200B. In high speed, high density cable connectors, the distance between the first flexible flat cable 200A and the second flexible flat cable 200B is relatively small. Disposing one or two layers of inner side shielding layer 251 between the first flexible flat cable 200A and the second flexible flat cable 200B can effectively improve signal integrity. Optionally, both the first flexible flat cable 200A and the second flexible flat cable 200B have the same configuration, which can standardize parts. Exemplarily, the inner side shielding layer 251 can penetrate the flexible flat cable 200 along the length direction of the flexible flat cable 200. Exemplarily, the inner side shielding layer 251 can cover all cable conductors 220 on the flexible flat cable 200 along the width direction of the flexible flat cable 200. However, the present application does not exclude embodiments in which the inner side shielding layer 251 exposes a portion of the cable conductors 220 of the flexible flat cable 200 along the length direction and / or the width direction.

[0107] Exemplarily, the shielding layer 250 can include an outer side shielding layer 252 disposed on the outer side surface 242. The outer side shielding layer 252 is spaced apart from the end of the corresponding flexible flat cable 200 to expose the end of the cable conductors 220 of the corresponding flexible flat cable 200 and form the contact pad 270. Thus, the shielding effect can be further improved. For embodiments in which the first housing assembly 100 includes the inner conductive layer 104 or 104' on the inner surface thereof, the outer side shielding layer 252 can be in electrical contact with the inner conductive layer 104 or 104'. The inner conductive layer 104 or 104' can at least shield the contact pad, thus the shielding of the cable conductors 220 can be extended to the contact pad portion, improving the shielding effect.

[0108] Exemplarily, in the embodiments where the first housing assembly 100 is provided with the conductive layers, such as the inner conductive layers 104, 104' and the outer conductive layers 105, 105', the conductive layers can have an overlapping portion with the outer side shielding layer 252 along the length direction of the flexible flat cable 200 to improve the shielding effect. Exemplarily, the outer side shielding layer 252 can extend to the other end of the corresponding flexible flat cable 200 along the length direction of the flexible flat cable 200. However, the present application does not exclude the embodiments where the outer side shielding layer 252 also exposes other portions of the cable conductors 220 of the flexible flat cable 200 along the length direction. Exemplarily, the outer side shielding layer 252 can cover all the cable conductors 220 on the flexible flat cable 200 along the width direction of the flexible flat cable 200. However, the present application does not exclude the embodiments where the outer side shielding layer 252 exposes a portion of the cable conductors 220 of the flexible flat cable 200 along the width direction.

[0109] The inner side shielding layer 251 can be arranged on the inner side surface 241 of the flexible flat cable 200 where there is no contact pad 270, so that the extension of the inner side shielding layer 251 to the end of the flexible flat cable 200 does not affect the function of the contact pad 270. In other words, the inner side shielding layer 251 can extend to the back of the contact pad 270 and be arranged apart from the contact pad 270 by the base 210. In contrast, the outer side shielding layer 252 can only extend to the position of the outer side surface 242 close to the contact pad 270, and the end thereof can not exceed the end of the insulating layer 230 to prevent contact with the contact pad 270. In this way, the cable terminals inside the flexible flat cable 200 can be wrapped in the shielding layer 250 as much as possible, and only the contact pad 270 that must be exposed is exposed, thereby improving the electromagnetic compatibility performance. On the other hand, this can facilitate the processing of the flexible flat cable 200, for example, the flexible flat cable 200 with the inner side shielding layer 251 and the outer side shielding layer 252 respectively pasted on the two surfaces can be cut, and the shielding layer 250 and the insulating layer 230 at the end of the inner side surface 241 of the flexible flat cable 200 can be stripped to form the contact pad 270.

[0110] In the case where the inner side shielding layer 251 and the outer side shielding layer 252 are respectively arranged on the two opposite surfaces of the flexible flat cable 200, further, at least a portion of each of the inner side shielding layer 251 and the outer side shielding layer 252 is wider than the corresponding flexible flat cable 200, and the widened portions of the inner side shielding layer 251 and the outer side shielding layer 252 are electrically connected to each other. As FIG. 3 and 9As shown, the portions of the inner shield 251 and the outer shield 252 on the partition 130 can have the same width as the flexible flat cable 200, so that they can be mounted on the partition 130. For the other portions of the flexible flat cable 200 housed in the mounting channel 103, the inner shield 251 and the outer shield 252 can be wider than the flexible flat cable 200, so that they can be in electrical contact with each other. Exemplarily, the portions of the inner shield 251 and the outer shield 252 outside the first housing assembly 100 can also have a width larger than the flexible flat cable 200, and can be in electrical contact with each other, so that a full shielding can be formed along the whole length of the flexible flat cable 200. Thus, the electromagnetic compatibility of the flexible flat cable 200 is improved. The inner shield 251 and the outer shield 252 can be connected together by welding or adhesive. In some embodiments, the portions of the inner shield 251 and the outer shield 252 wider than the flexible flat cable 200 can be only outside the first housing assembly 100. Exemplarily, as shown in FIG. 1, the inner shield 251 and the outer shield 252 can be connected together by welding. In some embodiments, the inner shield 251 and the outer shield 252 can be connected together by adhesive. FIG. 14 As shown, the first housing assembly 100, for example, the top housing 110 and the bottom housing 120, both reserve space for the widened portions of the shield 250. Thus, the widened portions of the shield 250 can extend into the first housing assembly 100, so that the cable connector 10 can have better electromagnetic compatibility.

[0111] As mentioned before, the inner and outer surfaces of the first housing assembly 100 can be formed with conductive layers, for example, the inner conductive layers 104, 104’ and the outer conductive layers 105, 105’. The conductive layers can function as shields, enhancing the electromagnetic compatibility. In some embodiments, the conductive layers can also be in electrical contact with the shield 250 of the flexible flat cable 200, achieving better electromagnetic compatibility. In the embodiments where the portions of the inner shield 251 and the outer shield 252 wider than the flexible flat cable 200 extend into the first housing assembly 100, the cable conductors 220 are all surrounded by the inner shield 251, the outer shield 252 and the conductive layers of the first housing assembly 100, avoiding the invasion of electromagnetic interference.

[0112] Exemplarily, along the stacking direction, there can be a gap between the housing assembly and the adjacent shield. For a housing assembly including a top housing and a bottom housing, the gap can avoid the housing assembly, especially the housing assembly formed by metal casting, from crushing the shield during assembly due to tolerance factors. For a one-piece housing assembly, the gap can avoid the mounting channel from being too small, making it difficult for the flat flexible cable 200 to be inserted, or even causing the shield to peel off. The gap can be small enough so that electromagnetic interference cannot affect the signal transmission through the gap.

[0113] Exemplarily, as shown in FIG. 1, the inner shield 251 and the outer shield 252 can be connected together by welding. In some embodiments, the inner shield 251 and the outer shield 252 can be connected together by adhesive. FIGS. 4A-4B and FIG. 13As shown, each flexible flat cable 200 can include a first cable portion 281 located on the partition 130, a second cable portion 282 located outside the first housing assembly 100, and a third cable portion 283 connected between the first cable portion 281 and the second cable portion 282. The first cable portion 281 and the third cable portion 283 are end portions located inside the first housing assembly 100. The aforementioned cable lug 260 can be located on the first cable portion 281. The first housing assembly 100 is spaced apart from the first cable portions 281 of the plurality of flexible flat cables 200 along the stacking direction. The mounting channel 103 can have a size larger than the total size of the plurality of flexible flat cables 200 stacked along the stacking direction to accommodate the third cable portions 283 of the plurality of flexible flat cables 200. In this way, the third cable portions 283 can have a certain gap between each other or between them and the inner wall of the mounting channel 103, avoiding the first housing assembly 100, such as the top case 110 and the bottom case 120, to exert a large external force on the third cable portions 283. As shown, the first cable portions 281 of the flexible flat cables 200 are fixed by the partition 130 along the stacking direction, but the first housing assembly 100 does not press against the shielding layer, such as the outer shielding layer 252, of the flexible flat cables 200. For the third cable portions of the flexible flat cables 200, the first flexible flat cable 200A and the second flexible flat cable 200B are also not clamped by the first housing assembly 100. In this way, the damage of the cable conductors 220 or the shielding layer 250 due to the extrusion of the first housing assembly 100 can be effectively avoided. Especially in the application scenario where the flexible flat cable 200 can be pulled, the above arrangement can prevent the part of the first housing assembly 100 in contact with the shielding layer 250 from being damaged due to clamping when pulled.

[0114] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second channel portion has a size smaller than the total size of the end portions of the plurality of flexible flat cables and the partition along the stacking direction of the plurality of flexible flat cables. In this case, the plurality of flexible flat cables extending from the partition to the second channel portion need to have a certain degree of bending to have an appropriate thickness to enter the second channel portion. Thus, the plurality of flexible flat cables in the second channel portion can have a tendency to face outward away from the partition. Thus, the inner wall of the second channel portion abuts against the plurality of flexible flat cables, so that the inner conductive layer 104 or 104' is in electrical contact with the outer shielding layer 252. The flexibility of the flexible flat cable is relatively small, and does not exert excessive force on the outer shielding layer 252, and does not damage the outer shielding layer 252 while ensuring reliable electrical contact.

[0115] As FIGS. 4A-4BAs shown, the divider 130 does not occupy the entire mounting channel 103 along the length direction. Exemplarily, the mounting channel 103 can include a first channel portion accommodating the divider 130 and a second channel portion located at the rear side of the first channel portion. Along the stacking direction of the plurality of flexible flat cables 200, the size (i.e. height) of at least a portion of the second channel portion can be smaller than the total size of the end portion of the plurality of flexible flat cables 200 and the divider 130, such that the inner wall of the second channel portion can squeeze the plurality of flexible flat cables 200. Exemplarily, within the first housing assembly 100 corresponding to the second channel portion, a protruding reinforcing rib can be provided, such as the reinforcing rib 150 of the top housing 110 and the bottom housing 120. See FIG. 6B and FIG. 7A The corresponding first channel portion of the top housing 110 and the bottom housing 120 has a first reinforcing rib 151, and the corresponding first channel portion of the top housing 110 and the bottom housing 120 has a second reinforcing rib 152. The second reinforcing rib 152 can protrude from the first reinforcing rib 151 towards the inner side of the mounting channel 130. Thus, after the top housing 110 and the bottom housing 120 are buckled, the height of the first channel portion defined by the first reinforcing rib 151 can be greater than the height of the first channel portion defined by the second reinforcing rib 152. In this way, the second reinforcing rib 152 can squeeze the plurality of flexible flat cables 200 towards the inner side. Although the flexible flat cables 200 have flexibility, they also have a certain rigidity, which enables them to maintain their original flat shape. Thus, the flexible flat cables 200 have a tendency to rest against the second reinforcing rib 152. In other embodiments not shown, the top housing 110 and the bottom housing 120 can also be solid, as long as they can squeeze the flexible flat cables 200 towards the inner side.

[0116] In the case where the inner conductive layer 104 or 104' is provided on the inner surface of the first housing assembly 100, the surface of the second reinforcing rib 152 can have the inner conductive layer, such as 104 or 104'. Since the flexible flat cables 200 rest against the second reinforcing rib 152, the shielding layer 250 (such as the outer shielding layer 252) on the flexible flat cables 200 can be in electrical contact with the inner conductive layer 104 or 104' on the second reinforcing rib 152. In this way, the shielding layer 250 of the flexible flat cables 200 can be brought into electrical contact with the conductive layer of the first housing assembly 100, facilitating the connection of the two to a reference voltage. Exemplarily, the conductive layer of the first housing assembly 100 can be electrically connected to the shielding shell 23 of the board connector 20 through the conductive ring 300, and the shielding shell 23 can be electrically connected to the ground conductor on the first circuit board 30.

[0117] The present disclosure also provides a method of economically assembling an electrical connector. As FIG. 9As shown, the end of the first flexible flat cable 200A is mounted to the first side of the partition 130. Exemplarily, in the case that the partition 130 includes a plurality of first positioning pins 134 arranged along the length direction of the first flexible flat cable 200A, partition lugs 133 of the two side edges of the partition 130 can be provided correspondingly to the cable lugs 260. During assembly, the first flexible flat cable 200A can be placed on the first side of the partition 130 along the stacking direction, so that the cable lugs 260 near the front are located between two first positioning pins 134. After the first flexible flat cable 200A is attached to the first side of the partition 130, the first flexible flat cable 200A can be pushed forward, so that the two side edges of the front end of the first flexible flat cable 200A can be inserted into the opposite first groove 131 and second groove, respectively, as shown. FIG. 10 Thus, the cable lugs 260 and the partition lugs 133 can be aligned.

[0118] Then, the partition 130 with the first flexible flat cable 200A mounted thereon can be mounted to the bottom case 120 with the first side facing the bottom case 120. As shown, FIG. 11 the partition 130 and the first flexible flat cable 200A mounted thereon can be flipped over so that the first side of the partition 130 faces the bottom case 120. The first positioning pins 134 of the partition 130 are aligned with the positioning slots 170 of the bottom case 120, and the partition 130 and the first flexible flat cable 200A are mounted to the bottom case 120. Since the first flexible flat cable is fixed only by the first groove 131 and the second groove at this time, this can prevent the installed first flexible flat cable 200A from falling off during the process of mounting the second flexible flat cable 200B. After the partition 130 is mounted to the bottom case 120, the bottom case 120 can support the first flexible flat cable 200A, and the lug groove 160 can position the first flexible flat cable 200A in the length direction to prevent its position from changing. As described above, the first positioning pins 134 of the partition 130 can be inserted into the positioning slots 170 of the bottom case 120, thereby limiting the position in both the stacking direction and the length direction. Thus, the first flexible flat cable 200A does not need to be pressed at all times to prevent it from shifting or falling off. The structure after mounting is shown in FIG. 12 .

[0119] With reference back to FIG. 12 the end of the second flexible flat cable 200B is mounted to the second side of the partition 130, which is opposite to the first side. The process of mounting the end of the second flexible flat cable 200B to the second side of the partition 130 is consistent with the process of mounting the first flexible flat cable 200A described above. The structure after mounting is shown in FIG. 13 .

[0120] Next, as shown in FIG. 1C, the top shell 110 is mounted to the bottom shell 120. Exemplarily, the second positioning pin 113 on the top shell 110 can be aligned with the positioning hole 122 on the bottom shell 120 until the catch 111 on the top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120 engages with the engagement portion 121 on the bottom shell 120. Thus, the divider 130, the first flexible flat cable 200A, and the second flexible flat cable 200B can be clamped between the top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120. This can make the assembly of the connector easier and less costly. FIG. 14

[0121] In the above steps, the bottom shell 120 is assembled first, and then the top shell 110 is assembled. In other embodiments, the top shell 110 can be assembled first, and then the bottom shell 120 is assembled. However, the top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120 are merely named differently for the sake of distinction. The structure and function of the top shell and the bottom shell in this application can be interchangeable if not specifically emphasized. In some embodiments, the shell on which the connector latching assembly 400 is mounted can be referred to as the top shell. That is, the top shell can include a first latching feature 112 configured to operate with the connector latching assembly 400.

[0122] Exemplarily, after the top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120 are assembled, the conductive ring 300 can be fitted on the assembled top shell 110 and the bottom shell 120.

[0123] The board connector 20 adapted to the cable connector 10 will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in FIG. 2A, the board connector 20 can include a second housing assembly, and a second conductive assembly 22 held by the second housing assembly. The second housing assembly can include a main housing 21 and an outer housing 24. The second conductive assembly 22 can be held on the main housing 21. Exemplarily, the second conductive assembly 22 can include a plurality of conductive terminals. Exemplarily, the plurality of conductive terminals can be fixed together by a holding member 25 as shown in the embodiment in the figure, and the holding member 25 can be held in the main housing 21 by a catch, so that the plurality of conductive terminals are held on the main housing 21. The holding member 25 can be insulating. Exemplarily, in other embodiments, the plurality of conductive terminals can also be directly held on the main housing 21. FIG. 16 FIG. 17 Exemplarily, the plurality of conductive terminals can be fixed together by a holding member 25 as shown in the embodiment in the figure, and the holding member 25 can be held in the main housing 21 by a catch, so that the plurality of conductive terminals are held on the main housing 21. The holding member 25 can be insulating. Exemplarily, in other embodiments, the plurality of conductive terminals can also be directly held on the main housing 21.

[0124] ​​Exemplarily, the board connector 20 can include a second shielding assembly. Exemplarily, the second shielding assembly can include a shielding shell 23. The shielding shell 23 can be held between the main housing 21 and the outer housing 24. The shielding shell 23 can surround the main housing 21 along a circumferential direction around the second conductive assembly 22. The board connector 20 is used to establish an electrical connection between a to-be-mounted circuit board (not shown) and a mating electrical connector (e.g., the cable connector described above). The to-be-mounted circuit board can be the first circuit board 30 (also referred to as the "first printed circuit board" or "first PCB"). The board connector 20 can be mounted to the to-be-mounted circuit board, and the first mating portion of the cable connector 10 can be inserted into the board connector 20, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the to-be-mounted circuit board and the cable connector 10 through the board connector 20.

[0125] The main housing 21 can be made of an insulating material. Examples of the insulating material suitable for manufacturing the main housing 21 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). The shielding shell 23, the main housing 21, and the outer housing 24 collectively form a second mating portion 20A for mating with the first mating end portion 101 of the cable connector 10.

[0126] The conductive terminals can be formed of a conductive material. The conductive material suitable for manufacturing the conductive terminals can be a metal or a metal alloy, such as copper or a copper alloy. The conductive terminals can include an electrical contact end and a mounting end. The electrical contact end can extend to the second mating portion 20A. The electrical contact end can be configured to mate with a corresponding mating portion of an electrical component, such as the cable connector 10 described above. The mounting end can extend outside of the second housing assembly and the second shielding assembly. The mounting end can be configured to be mounted to a circuit board, such as the first circuit board 30 described above. In particular, the first circuit board 30 can include a conductive portion, such as a conductive pad or a conductive via, and the mounting end of the conductive terminal can be configured to be connected to the conductive portion of the first circuit board 30 by any suitable process known in the art, such as press fitting or soldering. Each conductive terminal can include a bent segment that is bent such that the mounting end and the electrical contact end of the conductive terminal are oriented substantially perpendicularly to each other. With this configuration, each conductive terminal is generally straight.

[0127] Exemplarily, the main housing 21 can be overmolded on the conductive terminals. In some embodiments, the main housing 21 can further include a retaining member 25 for spacing the mounting ends of the plurality of conductive terminals apart from each other. In some embodiments, the main housing 21 includes a main body portion and a reserved groove, and the conductive terminals can be mounted to the main body of the main housing 21 through the groove, and a retaining member 25 for fixing the mounting ends of the conductive terminals can be overmolded in the groove.

[0128] Exemplarily, the shielding shell 23 can completely wrap the main shell 21 of the board connector 20. The shielding shell 23 can be connected with a signal ground, thereby effectively shielding external interference. Preferably, the metal sheet can be punched into a suitable shape through a punching process, and then after the main shell 21 and the second conductive assembly 22 of the board connector 20 are assembled, the semi-finished shielding shell 23 is put into the punched shielding shell 23, and the parts of the shielding shell 23 that need to be bent are bent, so that the shielding shell 23 completely wraps the main shell 21. Exemplarily, the lower part of the shielding shell 23 can be shaped into a mortise and tenon structure, and after the bending is completed, the originally separated edges of the metal sheet of the shielding shell 23 are connected with each other, thereby being able to withstand a larger force parallel to the direction of the metal sheet. Compared with welding the metal sheet of the shielding shell 23 together to make the shielding shell 23 form a complete whole, the mortise and tenon structure can be mass-produced quickly through the punching process, and the cost is lower, and the reliability and yield are also higher.

[0129] Exemplarily, the shielding shell 23 can include a board lock 23A for mounting to the first circuit board 30. As mentioned above, the shielding shell 23 can be fixed to the first circuit board 30. Since the board connector 20 can be subjected to a certain pulling force after being connected with the cable connector 10, there is a certain requirement for the connection strength of the shielding shell 23, which is the main force receiving component, and the first circuit board 30. Preferably, the shielding shell 23 can be connected to the first circuit board 30 in a welding manner. In some embodiments, one side of the shielding shell 23 can be integrally welded on the first circuit board 30 by soldering, so as to form a reliable connection. In a preferred embodiment, the surface of the shielding shell 23 includes a board lock 23A composed of protruding metal parts, which can be embedded in the pad via holes and / or through holes of the first circuit board 30 and can also be welded by soldering, further ensuring that the shielding shell 23 is firmly locked to the first circuit board 30. The board lock 23A can be matched with the pad via holes 31 of the first circuit board 30, which are usually slightly larger than the board lock 23A. After the board lock 23A is inserted into the pad via holes 31 of the first circuit board 30, the gap between the via holes and the board lock 23A can be filled by soldering, so as to be reliably fixed and capable of being electrically connected with the reference voltage in the first circuit board 30, such as ground. Compared with the embodiment in which the shielding shell 23 is directly welded on the first circuit board 30, the form of the board lock 23A not only does not need to heat the shielding shell 23 as a whole to ensure that the temperature of the welding part reaches the welding requirement, thereby reducing the welding difficulty, but also, when the shielding shell 23 is subjected to force, not only the welding part is subjected to force, but also the substrate of the first circuit board 30 can disperse the force of the shielding shell 23, so as to avoid that the pad is separated from the substrate of the first circuit board 30 due to a large pulling force, thereby ensuring the firmness of the board connector 20. Preferably, the end of the board lock 23A can have a reduced size, so as to form a step at the position close to the lower surface of the shielding shell 23. The smaller size of the end of the board lock 23A can enable it to be inserted into the pad via holes of the first circuit board 30, and the step can be clamped on the surface of the first circuit board 30 and cannot enter the pad through holes, thereby limiting the shielding shell 23 and ensuring that the shielding shell 23 cannot be tilted. Optionally, the shielding shell 23 can be fixed to the first circuit board 30 by any suitable manner such as adhesive, buckle, etc., so as to support and limit the main shell 21.

[0130] For the board connector 20, as FIG. 1B and FIG. 17As shown, the outer sidewall of the front portion of the main housing 21 can be spaced apart from the inner sidewall of the shielding shell 23, thereby forming a second annular cavity 27 around the main housing 21. This second annular cavity 27 can receive the first mating end 101 of the cable connector 10. Since the front portion of the main housing 21 can be inserted into the first mating end 101, the front portion of the main housing 21 can be referred to as the inner layer portion of the second mating end 20A. This inner layer portion can be inserted into the first annular cavity 106 between the separator 130 of the cable connector 10 and the first housing assembly 100.

[0131] Exemplarily, the shield 23 may extend flush with the front end face of the main housing 21 (i.e., the end face of the cable connector 10 along the mating direction), extend beyond the front end face of the main housing 21, or not reach the front end face of the main housing 21. The shield 23 can provide better support for the cable connector 10 when mated with the adapted cable connector 10. Compared to the main housing 21 or the first housing assembly 100 of the adapted cable connector 10, the shield 23 can withstand greater external forces, preventing the mating position of the cable connector 10 and the board connector 20 from being broken by external forces. The front portion of the shield 23 may fit over the outside of the first housing assembly 100 of the cable connector 10 when the cable connector 10 mates with the board connector 20. Exemplarily, if the surface of the first housing assembly 100 has a conductive layer, the shield 23 may extend towards the cable connector 10 beyond the front end face of the main housing 21. In this way, the shielding shell 23 can reach the position of the conductive ring 300 on the first housing assembly 100, so that the shielding shell 23 can make electrical contact with the conductive layer on the first housing assembly 100 through the conductive ring 300.

[0132] The outer shell 24 can surround the shielding shell 23 in the circumferential direction. Exemplarily, the outer shell 24 can be installed to the shielding shell 23 by means of adhesive bonding, welding, snap-fitting, etc. The outer shell 24 may include a second locking feature 26 that mates with the connector locking assembly 400, thereby locking the cable connector 10 to the board connector 20. Exemplarily, along the front of the cable connector 10, the outer shell 24 can extend beyond or be flush with the shielding shell 23, such that after the cable connector 10 mates with the board connector 20, the outer shell 24 can surround the first mating end 101 of the cable connector 10 and lock with the connector locking assembly 400 on the cable connector 10, improving the reliability of the mating. Thus, the outer portion of the second mating end 20A of the board connector 20 can be formed by the shielding shell 23 and the outer shell 24.

[0133] Thus, the present disclosure has been described here in terms of several embodiments set forth in the specifications sections. It is to be understood, however, that numerous modifications, variations, and adaptations can be made to the embodiments described and that such modifications, variations, and adaptations are to be considered within the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and the equivalents thereof. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and the practical application. It is intended that the claims be considered as including any such adaptations and modifications as can come within the scope of the following claims.

[0134] Although many of the inventive aspects of the electronic system have been described above with reference to a mating electrical connector, it should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, any of the inventive features, whether alone or in combination with one or more other inventive features, can also be used with two mating electrical connectors or a plurality of mating electrical connectors, etc. Further, the electrical connector can be used as a plug connector or a receptacle connector, and can also be a right angle connector, a vertical connector, a coplanar connector, or a perpendicular connector, etc.

[0135] In the description of the present disclosure, it needs to be understood that the orientation words such as "front", "back", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "transverse", "vertical", "vertical", "horizontal", and "top", "bottom", etc. indicated orientation or position relationship is generally based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, without the opposite description, these orientation words do not indicate and imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation or be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the protection scope of the present disclosure; the orientation words "inner", "outer" refer to the inner and outer relative to the contour of each component itself.

[0136] For the convenience of description, spatial relative terms such as "over", "above", "upper surface", "upper", etc. can be used herein to describe the spatial position relationship of one or more components or features shown in the drawings with other components or features. It should be understood that the spatial relative terms not only include the orientation of the components described in the drawings, but also include different orientations in use or operation. For example, if the components in the drawings are inverted as a whole, the components "above" or "over" other components or features will include the case of "below" or "under" other components or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below" orientations. In addition, the components or features can also be positioned at other different angles (for example, rotated by 90 degrees or other angles), and all these cases are intended to be included herein.

[0137] It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments according to the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, components, elements, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, components, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0138] It will be understood that the terms "first", "second", etc. are used herein to distinguish between similar objects, not necessarily described in a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that where these terms are used herein, data can be interchanged, where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented in other sequences than the one illustrated or described herein.

Claims

1. A cable connector, characterized in that, include: A housing assembly, the housing assembly including a mating end, a connecting end, and a mounting channel extending from the connecting end to the mating end; Multiple flexible flat cables are stacked together, with the ends of the multiple flexible flat cables inserted from the connecting end into the mounting channel and extending to the mating end; as well as The separator is held between any adjacent flexible flat cables in the plurality of flexible flat cables, and the ends of the plurality of flexible flat cables and the separator are held within the housing assembly.

2. The cable connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A shielding layer is formed on the surface of each of the plurality of flexible flat cables.

3. The cable connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of flexible flat cables includes a first flexible flat cable and a second flexible flat cable, each of the first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable including an inner surface and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, the inner surfaces of the first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable being opposite to each other. The shielding layer includes an inner shielding layer disposed on the inner surface of at least one of the first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable, the inner shielding layer extending forward to the end of the corresponding flexible flat cable.

4. The cable connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of flexible flat cables includes a first flexible flat cable and a second flexible flat cable, each of the first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable including an inner surface and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface, the inner surfaces of the first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable being opposite to each other. The shielding layer includes an outer shielding layer disposed on the outer surface of at least one of the first flexible flat cable and the second flexible flat cable, the outer shielding layer being spaced apart from the end of the corresponding flexible flat cable to expose the end of the cable conductor of the corresponding flexible flat cable and form a contact plate.

5. The cable connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The housing assembly includes an inner conductive layer located on its inner surface, and the outer shielding layer is in electrical contact with the inner conductive layer.

6. The cable connector as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The mounting channel includes a first channel portion for accommodating the separator and a second channel portion located behind the first channel portion. Along the stacking direction of the plurality of flexible flat cables, at least a portion of the second channel portion has a size smaller than the combined size of the ends of the plurality of flexible flat cables and the separator, and the inner wall of the second channel portion abuts against the plurality of flexible flat cables, such that the inner conductive layer is in electrical contact with the outer shielding layer.

7. The cable connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of flexible flat cables includes opposing inner and outer surfaces, and the shielding layer includes an inner shielding layer disposed on the inner surface and an outer shielding layer disposed on the outer surface. For each of the plurality of flexible flat cables: At least a portion of each of the inner shielding layer and the outer shielding layer is wider than the corresponding flexible flat cable, and the widened portions of the inner shielding layer and the outer shielding layer are electrically connected to each other.

8. The cable connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing assembly includes an outer conductive layer located on its outer surface.

9. The cable connector as described in claim 8, characterized in that, A conductive member is provided on the mating end, the conductive member is in electrical contact with the outer conductive layer, and the conductive member protrudes from the outer surface of the mating end.

10. The cable connector as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The conductive component is a conductive ring.

11. The cable connector as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The conductive ring is elastic.

12. The cable connector as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The housing assembly includes an inner conductive layer located on its inner surface, the inner conductive layer being electrically connected to the outer conductive layer.

13. The cable connector as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, A shielding layer is formed on the surface of each of the plurality of flexible flat cables, and the shielding layer is electrically connected to the inner conductive layer.

14. The cable connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, For each of the plurality of flexible flat cables: The separator includes a first groove and a second groove, the first groove and the second groove extending along the length direction of the corresponding flexible flat cable and opposite to each other along the width direction of the corresponding flexible flat cable; and The two sides of the corresponding flexible flat cable are respectively inserted into the first groove and the second groove.

15. The cable connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, For each of the plurality of flexible flat cables: The separator includes a boss at its front end, the boss extending along the width direction of a corresponding flexible flat cable, the corresponding flexible flat cable being disposed behind the boss and abutting against the rear surface of the boss; and The boss is higher than the contact plate of the corresponding flexible flat cable.

16. The cable connector as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, Along the protruding direction of the boss, the rear surface of the boss is inclined rearward.

17. The cable connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing assembly includes a top shell and a bottom shell opposite each other along the stacking direction of the plurality of flexible flat cables, with the separator and the plurality of flexible flat cables sandwiched between the top shell and the bottom shell.

18. The cable connector as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, The two side edges of the ends of the plurality of flexible flat cables include cable lugs, and the two side edges of the separator include separator lugs. The housing assembly restricts the position of the cable lugs and the separator lugs at least along the length direction of the plurality of flexible flat cables and the stacking direction.

19. The cable connector as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that, The cable lugs and the separator lugs are aligned along the length of the plurality of flexible flat cables.

20. The cable connector as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, One of the top shell and the bottom shell includes a snap-fit, and the other of the top shell and the bottom shell includes a joint. The buckle engages with the joint, thereby securing the top shell to the bottom shell.

21. The cable connector as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that, The separator is held between the top shell and the bottom shell, and the separator divides the front part of the mounting channel into a first mounting channel and a second mounting channel, wherein the first mounting channel and the second mounting channel receive the ends of their respective flexible flat cables, wherein: The first mounting channel is formed between the separator and the top shell; and The second mounting channel is formed between the separator and the bottom shell.

22. The cable connector as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that, At least one of the top shell and the bottom shell includes a positioning groove, and the separator includes a first positioning pin protruding along the mating direction of the top shell and the bottom shell, the first positioning pin being inserted into the positioning groove to position the separator along the length and width directions of the mounting channel.

23. The cable connector as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, Along the stacking direction of the plurality of flexible flat cables, there is a gap between the housing assembly and the adjacent shielding layer.

24. The cable connector as claimed in claim 23, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of flexible flat cables includes a first cable portion disposed on the separator, a second cable portion located outside the housing assembly, and a third cable portion connecting the first cable portion and the second cable portion. Along the stacking direction, the housing assembly is spaced apart from the shielding layer located on and adjacent to the first cable portion of the plurality of flexible flat cables, and Along the stacking direction, the size of the third cable portion of the mounting channel that accommodates the plurality of flexible flat cables is larger than the size of the plurality of flexible flat cables.

25. An electronic system, characterized in that, include: Cable connector as described in any one of claims 1-24; as well as An adapter electrical connector, which can be mated to the mating end of the cable connector.

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