Flexible terminals, connectors and electronic equipment

Abstract

This application relates to the field of connector technology, disclosing a resilient terminal, connector, and electronic device. The resilient terminal includes a resilient connecting portion, a first connecting arm, and a second connecting arm. The resilient connecting portion is elastically expandable and contractable along a first direction; the first connecting arm is connected to one end of the resilient connecting portion; the second connecting arm is connected to the other end of the resilient connecting portion; when the resilient terminal is not compressed, the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm are spaced apart in the first direction; when the resilient terminal is compressed in the first direction, the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm are directly connected to form a straight conductive path. Through the integrated design of the resilient connecting portion and the first and second connecting arms, the structure of the resilient terminal is greatly simplified, effectively reducing manufacturing difficulty. Furthermore, the spaced arrangement of the first and second connecting arms when not compressed, and their direct contact forming a straight conductive path when compressed, effectively shortens the current transmission path, providing a low-impedance channel for high-frequency and high-speed signal transmission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of connector technology, and in particular to a flexible terminal, connector, and electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] In modern electronic devices, especially in high-frequency, high-speed computing, a separable electrical connection is commonly used between the central processing unit (CPU) and the printed circuit board (PCB) to meet the needs of testing, upgrading, and maintenance. To achieve this separable interconnection, traditional solutions often rely on complex, flexible contact assemblies. A typical structure uses a conductive spring as the core conductor, supplemented by multiple additional metal attachments. When the connector is compressed, the circuit is established through the contact between these attachments.

[0003] However, such traditional structures have inherent technical defects: First, the current transmission path is long, requiring the current to flow through springs and multiple accessories, which will generate significant inductive impedance under high-frequency signals, leading to a decrease in signal integrity and transmission efficiency; Second, the combination of multiple precision components makes the structure complex and difficult to assemble, thereby increasing manufacturing costs; In addition, when subjected to vibration or frequent plugging and unplugging, the contact points between multiple components are prone to instability, with the risk of contact resistance fluctuations or even instantaneous disconnection, affecting the long-term reliability of the connection. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a flexible terminal, connector, and electronic device that can effectively solve the above problems, shorten the current transmission path, and improve the reliability and stability of the flexible terminal.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a resilient terminal, including a resilient connecting portion, a first connecting arm, and a second connecting arm. The resilient connecting portion is elastically expandable and contractible along a first direction; the first connecting arm is connected to one end of the resilient connecting portion; the second connecting arm is connected to the other end of the resilient connecting portion; when the resilient terminal is not compressed, the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm are spaced apart in the first direction; when the resilient terminal is compressed in the first direction, the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm are directly connected to form a straight conductive path.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first connecting arm has a first offset portion near the end of the second connecting arm, and the second connecting arm has a second offset portion near the end of the first connecting arm. The offset directions of the first offset portion and the second offset portion are opposite. When the elastic terminal is pressed in the first direction, the first offset portion and the second offset portion abut against each other.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first connecting arm includes a first straight portion, a first curved portion, and a second straight portion connected in sequence. The first straight portion is connected to the elastic connecting portion and the first curved portion. The second straight portion has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other in a first direction. The first end is provided with a first offset portion, and the second end is connected to the first curved portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, the second connecting arm includes a third straight portion, a second curved portion, and a fourth straight portion connected in sequence. The third straight portion is connected to the elastic connecting portion and the second curved portion. The fourth straight portion has a third end and a fourth end disposed opposite to each other in a first direction. The third end is provided with a second offset portion, and the fourth end is connected to the second curved portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, in the second direction, the second straight portion and the fourth straight portion are both located on the same side of the first straight portion and the third straight portion, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction, and the second direction is perpendicular to the plane where the first straight portion is located; in the second direction, when the first offset portion abuts against the second offset portion, the second offset portion is located between the first offset portion and the first straight portion; the first end of the second straight portion is inclined toward the first straight portion, and the third end of the fourth straight portion is inclined away from the third straight portion.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first offset portion is provided with a first contact surface, and the second offset portion is provided with a second contact surface. When the elastic terminal is pressed in the first direction, the first contact surface and the second contact surface fit together and abut against each other.

[0011] In some embodiments, in the second direction, the first straight portion and the second straight portion are spaced apart; and / or, in the second direction, the third straight portion and the fourth straight portion are spaced apart; and / or, the elastic connecting portion surrounds the outer side of the second straight portion and the fourth straight portion.

[0012] Secondly, this application provides a connector, including a base and a resilient terminal. The base is provided with a plurality of mounting cavities, and each mounting cavity is provided with at least one resilient terminal. In a first direction, a portion of a first connecting arm extends out of the mounting cavity, and a portion of a second connecting arm extends out of the mounting cavity. The inner wall of the mounting cavity is provided with a first limiting portion, and the resilient connecting portion is provided with a second limiting portion. The first limiting portion abuts against the second limiting portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the connector further includes a shielding layer disposed on the inner wall of the mounting cavity, the shielding layer being grounded, and the shielding layer surrounding the resilient terminal.

[0014] Thirdly, this application provides an electronic device including a processor, a circuit board, and a connector. The processor has a first contact for abutting against a first connecting arm, and the circuit board has a second contact for abutting against a second connecting arm. The processor and the circuit board abut against both sides of the connector in a first direction.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application are as follows: The elastic terminal of this application achieves a great simplification of the elastic terminal structure through the integrated design of the elastic connecting part and the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm, effectively reducing the manufacturing difficulty, and eliminating multiple independent parts such as springs and accessories in the traditional solution, significantly reducing material and manufacturing costs. In addition, the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm are set separately when not under pressure, and directly contact each other to form a straight conductive path when under pressure, which can effectively solve the problem of high inductive reactance caused by the long current transmission path, shorten the current transmission path, and provide a low impedance channel for high frequency and high speed signal transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments will be briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, the elements or parts are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic terminal according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the resilient terminal in an embodiment of this application when it is not compressed; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the elastic terminal under pressure according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to another embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is an exploded view of an electronic device according to another embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is another exploded view of an electronic device according to yet another embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to another embodiment of this application.

[0018] The reference numerals in the detailed embodiments are as follows: X, first direction; Y, second direction; Z, third direction; 100. Resilient terminal; 10. Resilient connecting portion; 11. Second limiting portion; 20. First connecting arm; 21. First straight portion; 22. First bent portion; 23. Second straight portion; 231. First end portion; 2311. First offset portion; 2312. First contact surface; 232. Second end portion; 30. Second connecting arm; 31. Third straight portion; 32. Second bent portion; 33. Fourth straight portion; 331. Third end portion; 3311. Second offset portion; 3312. Second contact surface; 332. Fourth end portion; 200. Connector; 201. Base; 2011. Mounting cavity; 2012. First limiting part; 1000, Electronic device; 300, Processor; 301, First contact; 400, Circuit board; 401, Second contact. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When an element is described as "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "horizontal," etc., used in this specification indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0021] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this application described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0022] Please see Figures 1 to 3This application provides an elastic terminal 100, which includes an elastic connecting portion 10, a first connecting arm 20, and a second connecting arm 30. The elastic connecting portion 10 is elastically expandable and contractible along a first direction X; the first connecting arm 20 is connected to one end of the elastic connecting portion 10 and extends along the first direction X; the second connecting arm 30 is connected to the other end of the elastic connecting portion 10 and extends along the first direction X. When the elastic terminal 100 is in its unpressurized, natural state, the first connecting arm 20 and the second connecting arm 30 are spaced apart along the first direction X; when the elastic terminal 100 is pressed along the first direction X, the first connecting arm 20 and the second connecting arm 30 are directly connected to form a straight conductive path.

[0023] The elastic terminal 100 of this application achieves a highly simplified structure through the integrated design of the elastic connecting part 10, the first connecting arm 20, and the second connecting arm 30, effectively reducing manufacturing difficulty and eliminating multiple independent parts such as springs and accessories in traditional solutions, significantly reducing material and manufacturing costs. In addition, the first connecting arm 20 and the second connecting arm 30 are separated when not under pressure, and directly contact each other to form a straight conductive path when under pressure, which can effectively solve the problem of high inductive reactance caused by the long current transmission path, shorten the current transmission path, and provide a low impedance channel for high frequency and high speed signal transmission.

[0024] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The first connecting arm 20 has a first offset portion 2311 near the end of the second connecting arm 30, and the second connecting arm 30 has a second offset portion 3311 near the end of the first connecting arm 20. The offset directions of the first offset portion 2311 and the second offset portion 3311 are opposite, for example... Figure 2 As shown, the first offset portion 2311 extends to the left, and the second offset portion 3311 extends to the right. When the elastic terminal 100 is pressed in the first direction X, the first offset portion 2311 and the second offset portion 3311 abut against each other. By setting the first offset portion 2311 and the second offset portion 3311 with opposite offset directions, they can be accurately guided and abutted when pressed. This not only ensures the reliability of the contact but also has a certain self-alignment function, which can compensate for certain assembly errors and avoid irreversible deformation and damage caused by excessive pressure on the first connecting arm 20 and the second connecting arm 30 in the first direction X.

[0025] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 3The first connecting arm 20 includes a first straight portion 21, a first curved portion 22 and a second straight portion 23 connected in sequence. The first straight portion 21 connects the elastic connecting portion 10 and the first curved portion 22. The second straight portion 23 has a first end 231 and a second end 232 that are disposed opposite to each other in the first direction X. The first end 231 is provided with a first offset portion 2311 and the second end 232 is connected to the first curved portion 22.

[0026] By folding the first connecting arm 20 into a U-shaped structure, compared to a planar structure, the folded first connecting arm 20 becomes a three-dimensional structure, which can increase its structural strength, especially at the first bending part 22, where its structural strength is greatly increased. When the first connecting arm 20 is subjected to force in the first direction X, the first bending part 22 can simultaneously drive the first straight part 21 and the second straight part 23 to move. The first straight part 21 compresses the elastic connecting part 10 in the first direction X, causing the elastic connecting part 10 to compress and deform. The second straight part 23 moves toward the second connecting arm 30 in the first direction X.

[0027] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 The second connecting arm 30 includes a third straight portion 31, a second curved portion 32 and a fourth straight portion 33 connected in sequence. The third straight portion 31 is connected to the elastic connecting portion 10 and the second curved portion 32. The fourth straight portion 33 has a third end 331 and a fourth end 332 that are disposed opposite to each other in the first direction X. The third end 331 is provided with a second offset portion 3311 and the fourth end 332 is connected to the second curved portion 32.

[0028] By folding the second connecting arm 30 into a U-shaped structure, compared to a planar structure, the folded second connecting arm 30 becomes a three-dimensional structure, which can increase its structural strength, especially at the second bending portion 32, where its structural strength is greatly increased. When the second connecting arm 30 is subjected to force in the first direction X, the second bending portion 32 can simultaneously drive the third straight portion 31 and the fourth straight portion 33 to move. The third straight portion 31 compresses the elastic connecting portion 10 in the first direction X, causing the elastic connecting portion 10 to compress and deform. The fourth straight portion 33 moves toward the second straight portion 23 in the first direction X, thereby causing the first offset portion 2311 and the second offset portion 3311 to abut and connect, forming a straight conductive path.

[0029] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2In the second direction Y, the second straight portion 23 and the fourth straight portion 33 are both located on the same side of the first straight portion 21 and the third straight portion 31. The second direction Y is perpendicular to the first direction X and also perpendicular to the plane containing the first straight portion 21. By setting the second straight portion 23 and the fourth straight portion 33 to be on the same side of the first straight portion 21 and the third straight portion 31, it can be ensured that when a force is applied in the first direction X, the second straight portion 23 and the fourth straight portion 33 can directly contact and connect.

[0030] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the second direction Y, when the first offset portion 2311 abuts against the second offset portion 3311, the second offset portion 3311 is located between the first offset portion 2311 and the first straight portion 21; the first end portion 231 of the second straight portion 23 is inclined toward the first straight portion 21, that is, in Figure 2 The first end 231 is inclined to the right, and the third end 331 of the fourth straight portion 33 is inclined away from the third straight portion 31, that is, in Figure 2 The third end 331 is tilted to the left, which increases the elasticity of the second straight part 23 and the fourth straight part 33 in the second direction Y. This allows the second straight part 23 and the fourth straight part 33 to fit tightly together when they come into contact, ensuring stable contact at the contact position and avoiding poor contact between the second straight part 23 and the fourth straight part 33 due to vibration, shaking, etc.

[0031] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first offset portion 2311 has a first contact surface 2312, and the second offset portion 3311 has a second contact surface 3312. When the elastic terminal 100 is pressed in the first direction X, the first contact surface 2312 and the second contact surface 3312 abut against each other. Compared with point contact or line contact structural designs, the first offset portion 2311 and the second offset portion 3311 in this application are set by surface contact, which can significantly reduce the contact resistance between them, effectively reduce the heat generated when current passes through, and improve the current carrying capacity and long-term contact stability of the first connecting arm 20 and the second connecting arm 30. In a further embodiment, the first contact surface 2312 and the second contact surface 3312 are planar.

[0032] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3In the second direction Y, the first straight portion 21 and the second straight portion 23 are spaced apart, and / or, in the second direction Y, the third straight portion 31 and the fourth straight portion 33 are spaced apart. When the second straight portion 23 and the fourth straight portion 33 come into contact and transmit current, the second straight portion 23 and the fourth straight portion 33 will generate heat. Therefore, by the aforementioned spaced arrangement, the heat on the second straight portion 23 and the fourth straight portion 33 can be directly dissipated into the air in the gap, which helps to facilitate rapid heat dissipation for both.

[0033] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The elastic connecting portion 10 surrounds the outer sides of the first connecting arm 20 and the second connecting arm 30 in a three-dimensional manner. Furthermore, the elastic connecting portion 10 surrounds the outer sides of the second straight portion 23 and the fourth straight portion 33 in a three-dimensional manner. Compared to a sheet-like elastic structure or a one-sided elastic structure, where the elasticity is uneven in different directions, resulting in a large elastic strength in one direction and a small elastic strength in another, this application sets the elastic connecting portion 10 into a three-dimensional surrounding structure. On the one hand, this enhances the elastic strength of the elastic connecting portion 10 in all directions in three-dimensional space, thereby ensuring that the second straight portion 23 and the fourth straight portion 33 are subjected to uniform force, greatly suppressing their lateral swaying and torsion, so as to better contact and abut in the first direction X. On the other hand, it reduces the size of the elastic terminal 100 in the third direction Z, thereby allowing more elastic terminals 100 to be arranged in the third direction Z, wherein the first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other.

[0034] Furthermore, the elastic connecting portion 10 can be a three-dimensional rectangular structure, a three-dimensional cylindrical structure, or a three-dimensional triangular structure, etc. The second straight portion 23 and the fourth straight portion 33 are located in the central region of the elastic connecting portion 10, and the second straight portion 23 and the fourth straight portion 33 are spaced apart from the elastic connecting portion 10 in the second direction Y and the third direction Z. This allows airflow channels to be formed around the second straight portion 23 and the fourth straight portion 33, allowing air to convect vertically and vertically, further enhancing their heat dissipation efficiency.

[0035] This application also provides an embodiment of a connector 200 for connecting the processor 300 and the circuit board 400. Please refer to... Figure 4The connector 200 includes a base 201 and the elastic terminal 100 in the above embodiment. The base 201 is provided with a plurality of mounting cavities 2011, and each mounting cavity 2011 is provided with at least one elastic terminal 100. In the first direction X, a portion of the first connecting arm 20 and a portion of the second connecting arm 30 extend out of the mounting cavity 2011. When a force is applied in the first direction X, the first connecting arm 20 can retract into the mounting cavity 2011, and the second connecting arm 30 can also retract into the mounting cavity 2011.

[0036] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the mounting cavity 2011 is provided with a first limiting part 2012, and the elastic connection part 10 is provided with a second limiting part 11. Through the cooperation of the first limiting part 2012 and the second limiting part 11, the elastic terminal 100 is accurately positioned and limited in the mounting cavity 2011, minimizing its displacement or torsion in the second direction Y and the third direction Z during the force process, and ensuring the stability and consistency of its electrical connection.

[0037] In some embodiments, the connector 200 further includes a shielding layer (not shown) disposed on the inner wall of the mounting cavity 2011. The shielding layer is grounded and surrounds the resilient terminal 100. This helps to shield external electromagnetic interference (EMI) and reduce electromagnetic leakage and crosstalk between the second flat portion 23 and the fourth flat portion 33 during signal transmission, ensuring signal integrity under high-speed data connection.

[0038] This application also provides an embodiment of an electronic device 1000, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 5 to 7 The electronic device 1000 includes a processor 300, a circuit board 400, and the aforementioned connector 200. The processor 300 is provided with a first contact 301 for abutting against a first connecting arm 20, and the circuit board 400 is provided with a second contact 401 for abutting against a second connecting arm 30. The processor 300 and the circuit board 400 abut against both sides of the connector 200 in a first direction X.

[0039] It is understood that connector 200 can be detachably connected to circuit board 400, that is, the second connecting arm 30 and the second contact 401 are in contact. In other examples, connector 200 can be directly soldered to circuit board 400, that is, the second bent portion 32 of the second connecting arm 30 is soldered to the second contact 401 to fix the two together.

[0040] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made using the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A resilient terminal, characterized in that, include: The elastic connecting part can elastically expand and contract along the first direction; The first connecting arm is connected to one end of the elastic connecting portion and extends along the first direction; The second connecting arm is connected to the other end of the elastic connecting portion and extends along the first direction; When the elastic terminal is in its uncompressed natural state, the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm are spaced apart in the first direction; When the elastic terminal is pressed in the first direction, the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm are directly connected to form a straight conductive path.

2. The elastic terminal according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting arm has a first offset portion near the end of the second connecting arm, and the second connecting arm has a second offset portion near the end of the first connecting arm. The offset directions of the first offset portion and the second offset portion are opposite. When the elastic terminal is pressed in the first direction, the first offset portion and the second offset portion abut against each other.

3. The elastic terminal according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first connecting arm includes a first straight portion, a first curved portion, and a second straight portion connected in sequence. The first straight portion connects the elastic connecting portion and the first curved portion. The second straight portion has a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other in a first direction. The first end is provided with a first offset portion, and the second end is connected to the first curved portion.

4. The elastic terminal according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second connecting arm includes a third straight portion, a second curved portion, and a fourth straight portion connected in sequence. The third straight portion connects the elastic connecting portion and the second curved portion. The fourth straight portion has a third end and a fourth end opposite to each other in a first direction. The third end is provided with a second offset portion, and the fourth end is connected to the second curved portion.

5. The elastic terminal according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the second direction, the second straight portion and the fourth straight portion are both located on the same side of the first straight portion and the third straight portion. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and perpendicular to the plane where the first straight portion is located. In the second direction, when the first offset portion abuts against the second offset portion, the second offset portion is located between the first offset portion and the first straight portion; The first end of the second straight portion is inclined toward the first straight portion, and the third end of the fourth straight portion is inclined away from the third straight portion.

6. The resilient terminal according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The first offset portion has a first contact surface, and the second offset portion has a second contact surface. When the elastic terminal is pressed in the first direction, the first contact surface and the second contact surface fit together and abut against each other.

7. The elastic terminal according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the second direction, the first straight portion and the second straight portion are spaced apart; And / or, In the second direction, the third straight portion and the fourth straight portion are spaced apart; And / or, The elastic connecting portion surrounds the outer sides of the second straight portion and the fourth straight portion in three dimensions.

8. A connector, characterized in that, The device includes a base and an elastic terminal as described in any one of claims 1-7. The base is provided with a plurality of mounting cavities, and each mounting cavity is provided with at least one elastic terminal. In the first direction, a portion of the first connecting arm extends out of the mounting cavity, and a portion of the second connecting arm extends out of the mounting cavity. The inner wall of the mounting cavity is provided with a first limiting part, and the elastic connecting part is provided with a second limiting part, the first limiting part abutting against the second limiting part.

9. The connector according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connector further includes a shielding layer disposed on the inner wall of the mounting cavity, the shielding layer being grounded and surrounding the resilient terminal.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The device includes a processor, a circuit board, and a connector as described in claim 8 or 9. The processor has a first contact for abutting against a first connecting arm, and the circuit board has a second contact for abutting against a second connecting arm. The processor and the circuit board abut against both sides of the connector in the first direction.

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