Conductive terminal, electrical connector, and combination thereof

Abstract

The application provides a conductive terminal, an electric connector and a combination thereof, which are used for electrically connecting a mating element and a circuit board. The electric connector comprises an insulating body and two rows of conductive terminals fixed to the insulating body. Each row of the conductive terminals is arranged along a first direction, and the two rows of the conductive terminals are arranged opposite to each other along a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. The insulating body is provided with two rows of terminal grooves which penetrate up and down. The conductive terminals are received in the corresponding terminal grooves. The conductive terminal comprises a holding part extending up and down, an elastic contact arm connected to the top of the holding part, and a welding leg connected to the bottom of the holding part. The welding legs of each row of the conductive terminals extend towards the direction of the other row of the conductive terminals. The application not only provides more possibilities for the use scene of the conductive terminal, but also saves space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic device technology, and in particular to a conductive terminal, an electrical connector, and a combination thereof. Background Technology

[0002] For relevant prior art, please refer to the electrical connector disclosed in Chinese Patent CN201355647Y, which can be used to electrically connect a first circuit board to a second circuit board. This electrical connector includes an insulating body and several conductive terminals. The insulating body has a soldering surface that mates with the first circuit board and a mating surface opposite to the soldering surface. Two sets of terminal slots are arranged side-by-side on both sides of the insulating body, and each conductive terminal is fixed in one of the terminal slots. Each conductive terminal includes a first conductive portion, an elastic portion housed in the terminal slot, a holding portion, and a soldering portion for electrical connection with the second circuit board, connected in sequence. The soldering portion of each row of terminals extends in the opposite direction to the other row of terminals, i.e., outwards from the insulating body. This arrangement results in a large area occupied by the electrical connector on the circuit board, which is not conducive to miniaturization. Furthermore, when it is necessary to connect two aligned conductive terminal connectors from two rows of conductive terminals together to adapt to different usage scenarios, it is not easy to connect the outwardly extending soldering portions together.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an improved electrical connector to address the aforementioned problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical solution to be solved by this invention is to provide a conductive terminal, an electrical connector and their combination, which is conducive to providing a variety of application scenarios for conductive terminals and conforms to the development trend of miniaturization of electronic products.

[0005] This application provides a technical solution: an electrical connector for electrically connecting a mating element to a circuit board. The electrical connector includes an insulating body and two rows of conductive terminals fixed to the insulating body. Each row of conductive terminals is arranged along a first direction, and the two rows of conductive terminals are arranged opposite each other along a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other. The insulating body has two rows of terminal slots that extend vertically through each other. Each conductive terminal is received in a corresponding terminal slot. Each conductive terminal includes a vertically extending holding portion, an elastic contact arm connected above the holding portion, and a soldering foot connected below the holding portion. The soldering foot of each row of conductive terminals extends toward the direction of the other row of conductive terminals.

[0006] This application also provides a technical solution, which is: an electrical connector assembly, including the above-mentioned electrical connector and a flexible circuit board, the flexible circuit board including a first end and a second end opposite to each other and a connecting portion connecting the first end and the second end, the soldering feet of the conductive terminals being electrically connected to the first end, the surface of the second end being provided with a plurality of mating plates, and the connecting portion extending from the first end toward the second direction.

[0007] This application also provides a technical solution, which is: a conductive terminal, including a first part and a second part symmetrically arranged, the first part including a first retaining part extending vertically, a first elastic contact arm connected above the first retaining part, and a first welding foot connected below the first retaining part, the first welding foot extending from the first retaining part toward the second part, and in the vertical direction, the projection of the first elastic contact arm and the projection of the first welding foot at least partially overlap; the second part including a second retaining part extending vertically, a second elastic contact arm connected above the second retaining part, and a second welding foot connected below the second retaining part, the second welding foot extending from the second retaining part toward the first part, and in the vertical direction, the projection of the second elastic contact arm and the projection of the second welding foot at least partially overlap; the first welding foot and the second welding foot extend toward each other and are connected.

[0008] Compared to existing technologies, this invention arranges the soldering pins of two rows of conductive terminals facing each other, so that when soldering to the circuit board, it does not occupy the circuit board space outside the insulating body. Moreover, when necessary, the two opposing soldering pins can be connected together, thereby realizing the function switching between dual-channel signal transmission and single-channel signal transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the electrical connector assembly for this invention.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the electrical connector assembly from another angle.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the electrical connector for this invention, showing a first embodiment of the insulating body.

[0012] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Another perspective view, showing a first embodiment of the conductive terminal.

[0013] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A 3D view showing the partial disassembly.

[0014] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A three-dimensional view from another angle.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the conductive terminal of this invention.

[0016] Figure 8 For along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the AA line, showing a first embodiment of the conductive terminal.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the conductive terminal of this invention.

[0018] Figure 10 For along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the AA line, showing a second embodiment of the conductive terminal.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the conductive terminal of this invention.

[0020] Figure 12 For along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the AA line, showing a third embodiment of the conductive terminal.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the electrical connector of this invention, showing a second embodiment of the insulating body.

[0022] Component Symbol Explanation Electrical connector assembly 1000; Electrical connector 100, Insulating body 10, terminal slot 11, upper opening 110, island 12, welding space 120, contact area 13, positioning area 14, positioning post 141, positioning hole 142, groove 143, protruding rib 144. Conductive terminal 20 / 20a, retaining portion 21, first retaining portion 21a, second retaining portion 21b, elastic contact arm 22, first elastic contact arm 22a, second elastic contact arm 22b, first extension portion 221, second extension portion 222, contact portion 223, third extension portion 224, snap-fit ​​portion 225, soldering lead 23, first soldering lead 23a, second soldering lead 23b, soldering tail portion 231, first part 24, second part 25. First direction D1, second direction D2; Flexible circuit board 200, First end 201, second end 202, connecting part 203, mating plate part 204. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following will combine Figures 1 to 13 This paper introduces specific embodiments of the conductive terminals, electrical connectors, and their combinations thereof.

[0024] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the electrical connector assembly 1000 of this utility model, including a flexible circuit board 200 and an electrical connector 100 mounted on the flexible circuit board 200. The flexible circuit board 200 includes a first end 201, a second end 202, and a connecting portion 203 connecting the first end and the second end. The electrical connector 100 is connected to the first end 201. The surface of the second end 202 is provided with a plurality of mating plates 204 for connecting with other electronic devices. The connecting portion 203 is a bendable strip, which not only allows for shape adjustment according to the usage environment but also helps save space. The electrical connector 100 is used for electrically connecting a mating element (not shown) to a circuit board, such as the flexible circuit board 200.

[0025] See Figures 3 to 6 The electrical connector 100 includes an insulating body 10 and two rows of conductive terminals 20 fixed to the insulating body 10. Each row of conductive terminals 20 is arranged along a first direction D1, and the two rows of conductive terminals 20 are arranged opposite each other along a second direction D2. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are perpendicular to each other. The insulating body 10 has two rows of terminal slots 11 that extend vertically through each other. Each conductive terminal 20 is received in a corresponding terminal slot 11. Each conductive terminal 20 includes a vertically extending holding portion 21, an elastic contact arm 22 connected above the holding portion 21, and a soldering foot 23 connected below the holding portion 21. The elastic contact arm 22 is used to abut against a mating element, and the soldering foot can be soldered to the circuit board. The soldering foot 23 of each row of conductive terminals 20 extends towards the other row of conductive terminals 20. The soldering feet of the two rows of conductive terminals are arranged facing each other, so that when soldered to the circuit board, they do not occupy the circuit board space outside the insulating body. Moreover, when necessary, the two opposing soldering feet can be connected together to realize the function switching between dual-channel signal transmission and single-channel signal transmission.

[0026] Combination Figures 3 to 12The elastic contact arm 22 includes a first extension 221 extending from the holding portion 21 along a second direction D2 away from another row of conductive terminals 20, a second extension 222 extending in the opposite direction from the first extension 221, and a contact portion 223 extending from the second extension 222. The contact portion 223 protrudes upward from the insulating body 10. The welding foot 23 extends from the holding portion 21 along the second direction D2 toward another row of conductive terminals 20. In the vertical direction, the projection of the contact portion 223 and the projection of the welding foot 23 at least partially overlap. Therefore, the contact portion 223 and welding foot 23 of the same conductive terminal both extend towards the other row of conductive terminals. The elastic contact arm 22 is roughly hook-shaped and bent towards the other row of conductive terminals. This allows the contact portion 223 to move towards the area between the two rows of conductive terminals 20 when docking with the docking element. The scraping direction of the conductive terminals 20 moves towards the center of the two rows of terminals. That is, after the two rows of conductive terminals 20 are compressed, the movement direction of their contact portions 223 is opposite and they can always maintain contact with the docking element without the risk of slippage, thus improving the stability of the docking.

[0027] Combination Figures 3 to 6 The elastic contact arm 22 further includes a third extension 224 extending downward from the contact portion 223. The third extension 224 is provided with a snap-fit ​​portion 225. The terminal slot 11 is provided with an upper opening 110 corresponding to the contact portion 223. The width of the upper opening 110 is greater than the width of the contact portion 223 so that the contact portion 223 can protrude out of the upper opening 110. The width of the upper opening 110 is less than the width of the snap-fit ​​portion 225 so that the snap-fit ​​portion 225 is confined within the terminal slot 11. The snap-fit ​​portion 225 is disposed at the end of the third extension 224 and is T-shaped so as to snap into the terminal slot 11.

[0028] like Figure 5 As shown, two rows of terminal slots 11 are aligned one-to-one in the second direction D2, and the two aligned terminal slots 11 are connected to each other. Figure 8 , Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, the insulating body 10 includes an island 12 connected between two aligned terminal slots 11. The island 12 has a downward-opening welding space 120, and two rows of conductive terminals 20 are aligned one-to-one in the second direction.

[0029] The soldering pins of the conductive terminal 20 of this invention can be configured in various shapes to adapt to different application requirements. In one embodiment, such as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the soldering foot 23 includes a soldering tail 231 that bends upward into the receiving space 120. After the soldering foot 23 is soldered to the circuit board, the solder will connect at the soldering tails 231 opposite to the two rows of conductive terminals, that is, the soldering tails 231 corresponding to the two rows of terminals 20 are soldered together. This arrangement can establish a signal transmission channel on the two aligned conductive terminals.

[0030] See Figures 9 to 10 In another embodiment, the soldering foot 23 does not have the soldering tail. The two soldering feet 23 aligned in the second direction D2 are spaced apart by a certain distance. The soldering foot 23 corresponds to the pad on the circuit board and can be used to accommodate different numbers of pads to transmit two or one electrical signals, thus satisfying dual-channel transmission of electrical signals.

[0031] See Figures 11 to 12 In some other embodiments, the solder feet 23 of two conductive terminals 20 aligned in the second direction D2 extend toward each other and are connected, thus allowing them to be used as a single terminal for input and output. Specifically, the conductive terminal 20a includes a first portion 24 and a second portion 25 symmetrically arranged. The first portion 24 includes a first retaining portion 21a extending vertically, a first elastic contact arm 22a connected above the first retaining portion 21a, and a first soldering foot 23a connected below the first retaining portion 21a. The first soldering foot 23a extends from the first retaining portion 21a toward the second portion 25. In the vertical direction, the projection of the first elastic contact arm 22a at least partially overlaps with the projection of the first soldering foot 23a. The second portion 25 includes a second retaining portion 21b extending vertically, a second elastic contact arm 22b connected above the second retaining portion 21b, and a second soldering foot 23b connected below the second retaining portion 21b. The second soldering foot 23b extends from the second retaining portion 21b toward the first portion 24. In the vertical direction, the projection of the second elastic contact arm 22b at least partially overlaps with the projection of the second soldering foot 23b. The first soldering foot 23a and the second soldering foot 23b extend toward each other and are connected.

[0032] See Figure 5 and Figure 13 As shown, the insulating body 10 includes a contact area 13 and a positioning area 14 spaced apart in the second direction D2. The terminal slot 11 is disposed in the contact area 13, and the positioning area 14 includes a positioning post 141 and a positioning hole 142. Figure 5 A first embodiment of an insulating body 10 is shown, the insulating body 10 including a groove 143 surrounding the positioning hole 142. Figure 13 A second embodiment of the insulating body 10 is shown, the insulating body 10 including a raised rib 144 surrounding the positioning hole 142. The groove 143 or the raised rib 144 is used to mate with the mating element to enhance the stability of the mating.

[0033] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of this utility model should still fall within the scope of this utility model patent.

Claims

1. An electrical connector for electrically connecting a mating element to a circuit board, the electrical connector comprising an insulating body and two rows of conductive terminals fixed to the insulating body, each row of conductive terminals being arranged along a first direction, the two rows of conductive terminals being arranged opposite each other along a second direction, the first direction and the second direction being perpendicular to each other, the insulating body having two rows of vertically penetrating terminal slots, each conductive terminal being received in a corresponding terminal slot, each conductive terminal comprising a vertically extending retaining portion, an elastic contact arm connected above the retaining portion, and a soldering foot connected below the retaining portion, characterized in that: The solder feet of each row of conductive terminals extend toward the direction of the other row of conductive terminals.

2. The electrical connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The resilient contact arm includes a first extension extending from the retaining portion along the second direction away from another row of conductive terminals, a second extension extending in the opposite direction from the first extension, and a contact portion extending from the second extension. The contact portion protrudes upward from the insulating body, and the welding foot extends from the retaining portion along the second direction toward another row of conductive terminals. In the vertical direction, the projection of the contact portion and the projection of the welding foot at least partially overlap.

3. The electrical connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The resilient contact arm further includes a third extension extending downward from the contact portion; the contact portion approaches the area between the two rows of conductive terminals when it docks with the docking element.

4. The electrical connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The third extension is provided with a snap-fit ​​portion, and the terminal slot is provided with an upper opening corresponding to the contact portion. The width of the upper opening is greater than the width of the contact portion so that the contact portion can protrude from the upper opening. The width of the upper opening is less than the width of the snap-fit ​​portion so that the snap-fit ​​portion is confined within the terminal slot.

5. The electrical connector as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The two rows of terminal slots are aligned one-to-one in the second direction, and the two aligned terminal slots are connected to each other.

6. The electrical connector as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The insulating body includes an island connected between two aligned terminal slots. The island has a downward-opening welding space. Two rows of conductive terminals are aligned one-to-one in the second direction. The welding foot includes a welding tail that bends upward into the welding space. The welding tails of the two rows of terminals are welded together.

7. The electrical connector as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The two rows of conductive terminals are aligned one-to-one in the second direction, and the welding feet of the two conductive terminals aligned in the second direction extend toward each other and are connected.

8. The electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The insulating body includes a contact area and a positioning area spaced apart in the second direction. The terminal slot is disposed in the contact area. The positioning area includes a positioning post and a positioning hole. The insulating body includes a groove or a rib surrounding the positioning hole.

9. An electrical connector assembly comprising the electrical connector as claimed in claim 1 and a flexible circuit board, characterized in that: The flexible circuit board includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, and a connecting portion connecting the first end and the second end. The soldering feet of the conductive terminal are electrically connected to the first end. The surface of the second end is provided with a plurality of mating plates. The connecting portion extends from the first end toward the second direction.

10. A conductive terminal, characterized in that: The device includes a first part and a second part arranged symmetrically. The first part includes a first retaining part extending vertically, a first elastic contact arm connected above the first retaining part, and a first welding foot connected below the first retaining part. The first welding foot extends from the first retaining part toward the second part, and in the vertical direction, the projection of the first elastic contact arm at least partially overlaps with the projection of the first welding foot. The second part includes a second retaining part extending vertically, a second elastic contact arm connected above the second retaining part, and a second welding foot connected below the second retaining part. The second welding foot extends from the second retaining part toward the first part, and in the vertical direction, the projection of the second elastic contact arm at least partially overlaps with the projection of the second welding foot. The first welding foot and the second welding foot extend toward each other and are connected.

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