COMPACT RELIABLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEM OF WHICH

Abstract

Compact, reliable connectors and their electronic systems are provided. An electronic system includes a receptacle connector configured for mounting on a printed circuit board and a plug connector configured for mating with the receptacle connector. The plug connector includes flexible cables held directly by a housing and secured to the housing by locking elements. The receptacle connector includes conductive elements arranged in rows. The conductive elements in different rows have termination ends offset in both a connection direction and a vertical direction, and connection ends offset in a longitudinal direction.The techniques described herein enable the connectors to fit into a limited space, provide reliable connections in harsh environments such as those found in an automobile, and support high voltages such as those that may be used in a battery management system (BMS).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Chinese patent application serial number 202421774872,9, filed on July 24, 2024. This application also claims priority to and the benefit of Chinese patent application serial number 202311154827,3, filed on September 8, 2023. The entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This patent application generally relates to interconnection systems, such as those including electrical connectors used to interconnect electronic assemblies. BACKGROUND

[0003] Electrical connectors are used in many electronic systems. It is generally easier and less expensive to manufacture a system as separate electronic assemblies that can be connected with electrical connectors. Electrical connectors can be used to interconnect electronic assemblies so that the electronic assemblies can work together as part of a system. For example, connectors can be mounted on printed circuit boards within two assemblies, which are joined by mating the connectors together. In other systems, it may be impractical to connect two printed circuit boards by directly mating connectors on those boards. For example, when the system is assembled, those boards may be separated by a gap that is too large for a direct connection between connectors mounted on the printed circuit boards.

[0004] In some systems, connections between electronic assemblies can be made by cables. The cables can be terminated with connectors that mate with connectors mounted on a printed circuit board. In this way, connections between electronic assemblies can be made by plugging a connector that is part of a cable assembly into a board-to-board connector mounted on the printed circuit board. In other system architectures, a connector that terminates one cable can be mated with another connector that terminates another cable.

[0005] An example of a system in which assemblies are connected by cables is a modern automobile. For example, motor vehicles include electronic control units (ECUs) for controlling various vehicle systems, such as the engine control unit, transmission control units (TCUs), battery management systems (BMS), cell sense circuits (CSCs), security systems, emissions control systems, lighting control units, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), entertainment systems, navigation systems, and cameras. These electronic control units can be manufactured as separate assemblies. To simplify automobile manufacturing, the assemblies can be connected via cables terminated with connectors that enable connections to mating board connectors that terminate other cables or are attached to printed circuit boards within the assemblies.

[0006] An automobile presents a harsh environment for an electrical connector. The automobile can vibrate, which can cause a connector to become disconnected and no longer function. Even if the vibration doesn't completely prevent the connector from operating, it can cause electrical noise that can disrupt the operation of electronics joined by interconnects that include connectors. Noise can result, for example, from the relative movement of components within connectors, which can change the electrical properties of the connector. Variations in electrical properties, in turn, cause variations in the signals passing through the interconnect, which is a form of noise that disrupts the processing of the underlying signal.

[0007] In an automotive environment, electrical noise could also arise from automotive components that generate electromagnetic radiation. This radiation can couple to the conductive structures of a connector, creating noise on any signals passing through those conductive structures. In an automobile, any of a number of components could generate electromagnetic radiation, such as spark plugs, alternators, or power switches. Noise can be particularly disruptive to high-speed signals, such as those used to communicate data over an automotive network. SHORT SUMMARY

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to compact, reliable electrical connectors and electronic systems thereof.

[0009] Some embodiments relate to a connector for terminating a first and a second flexible cable comprising a connecting end having a plurality of conductive contacts facing the plurality of conductive contacts of the other of the first and second flexible cables, the connector comprising a housing having a front side, a back side, a top side, a bottom side, and two sides each connecting the top side and the bottom side and extending from the front side to the back side.The housing may include: an upper channel extending adjacent to the top and from the front through the back, the upper channel configured to receive the first flexible cable; a lower channel extending adjacent to the bottom and from the front, the lower channel configured to receive the second flexible cable; a receiving space at the front, the receiving space configured to receive portions of the first and second flexible cables having the plurality of conductive contacts; and one or more latching features configured to retain the first and second flexible cables in the upper and lower channels.

[0010] Optionally, the one or more locking features of the housing comprise: a side channel extending from the bottom to the top; and a locking member comprising a first arm disposed in the side channel and configured to move between a pre-locked position when edges of the first and second flexible cables are offset from the first arm, and a locked position when edges of the first and second flexible cables are engaged with the first arm such that the first and second flexible cables are fixedly disposed in the housing.

[0011] Optionally, one side of the housing includes a first slot and a second slot located closer to the top than the first slot; and the latching member includes a second arm including a bulge configured to be disposed in the first slot of the housing when the latching member is in the pre-locked position and in the second slot of the housing when the latching member is in the locked position.

[0012] Optionally, the locking element comprises a pair of first arms arranged on opposite sides of the receiving space of the housing and a pair of second arms; and the pair of first arms is arranged between the pair of second arms.

[0013] Optionally, the pair of first arms are aligned along a first centerline; and the pair of second arms are aligned along a second centerline offset from the first centerline in a mating direction of the connector.

[0014] Optionally, the housing includes a base portion and a receiving portion extending from the base portion and enclosing the receiving space; and each of the upper and lower channels includes a portion extending on the base portion.

[0015] Optionally, for each of the first and second flexible cables, the connecting end comprises a first segment disposed in the portion of a respective one of the upper and lower channels extending at the base portion, and a second segment extending from the first segment and having the plurality of conductive contacts.

[0016] Optionally, for each of the first and second flexible cables, the first segment includes a notch aligned in the side channel of the housing; the one or more locking features of the housing include: a side channel extending from the bottom to the top; and a locking member including a first arm disposed in the side channel and configured to move between a pre-locked position when edges of the first and second flexible cables are offset from the first arm, and a locked position when edges of the first and second flexible cables engage the first arm such that the first and second flexible cables are fixedly disposed in the housing; and in the locked position, the first arm of the locking member engages the notches of the first segments of the first and second flexible cables.

[0017] Optionally, for each of the first and second flexible cables, the second segment includes a notch; and the one or more locking features of the housing include first and second brackets extending from the base portion into the receiving space, each of the first and second brackets including a protrusion configured to engage the notch of the second segment of a respective one of the first and second flexible cables.

[0018] Optionally, the first arm comprises an upper portion, a lower portion, and a groove between the upper and lower portions; in the pre-locked position, the upper portion of the first arm is disposed between the first and second flexible cables, and the lower portion of the first arm is disposed between the second flexible cable and the bottom of the housing; and in the locked position, the upper and lower portions of the first arm engage the edges of the first and second flexible cables, respectively.

[0019] Optionally, the top surface of the housing includes a groove on the receiving portion; and the connector includes: an overhanging component having a proximal end connected to a bottom of the groove of the top surface on the receiving portion and a distal end facing the rear side, and a connector position assurance device configured to engage the overhanging component.

[0020] Optionally, the overhanging component comprises first and second supports extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a third support connecting the first and second supports at the distal end; the top of the housing includes a flange portion substantially aligned with the third support of the overhanging component; and the flange portion includes first and second recesses toward the rear of the housing.

[0021] Optionally, the first and second flexible cables comprise a flexible flat cable (FFC) and / or a flexible printed circuit board (FPC).

[0022] Optionally, the front of the housing extends beyond the front edges of the first and second flexible cables.

[0023] Some embodiments relate to an electronic system. The electronic system may include the connector described herein in combination with the first and second flexible cables; a printed circuit board; and a receptacle connector mated with the connector. The receptacle connector may include a housing including a tab portion disposed within the receiving space of the connector, the tab portion including an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of conductive elements supported by the housing, each of the plurality of conductive elements including a connecting end extending into the tab portion of the housing, a terminating end extending from the housing and mounted on the printed circuit board, and an intermediate portion between the connecting end and the terminating end, the plurality of conductive elements including a plurality of first conductive elements,arranged in a first row, and a plurality of second conductive elements arranged in a second row, wherein: the connecting ends of the plurality of first conductive elements comprise connecting contact portions protruding from the upper surface of the tab portion to contact the plurality of conductive contacts of the first flexible cable, and the connecting ends of the plurality of first conductive elements comprise connecting contact portions protruding from the lower surface of the tab portion to contact the plurality of conductive contacts of the second flexible cable.

[0024] Optionally, the housing of the connector includes a protrusion extending from the front of the housing in a mating direction of the connector, and a rib extending from the protrusion to the flange portion; and the housing of the receptacle connector includes a recess at a front side configured to receive both the protrusion extending from the front of the housing of the connector and the rib extending from the protrusion to the flange portion.

[0025] Some embodiments relate to a receptacle connector. The receptacle connector may include a housing having a base portion and a tab portion extending from the base portion in a connection direction, the tab portion including an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface in a vertical direction perpendicular to the connection direction; and a plurality of conductive elements supported by the housing, each of the plurality of conductive elements including a connection end extending into the tab portion and having a connection contact portion, a termination end extending out of the housing, and an intermediate portion between the connection end and the termination end, the plurality of conductive elements including a plurality of first conductive elements having the connection contact portions protruding from the upper surface of the tab portion.and a plurality of second conductive elements having the connection contact portion protruding from the lower surface of the tab portion, wherein: the terminal end of each of the plurality of conductive elements includes a first segment extending from the respective intermediate portion in the connection direction, a second segment configured to be mounted on a circuit board, and a third segment connecting the first segment and the second segment; the first segments of the terminal ends of the plurality of first conductive elements and the terminal ends of the plurality of second conductive elements are offset in the vertical direction; and the second segments of the terminal ends of the plurality of first conductive elements and the terminal ends of the plurality of second conductive elements are offset in the connection direction.

[0026] Optionally, the connecting ends of the plurality of first conductive elements and the connecting ends of the plurality of second conductive elements are offset in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the connecting direction.

[0027] Optionally, the base portion of the housing includes a plurality of protrusions extending from a rear surface of the base portion; and the terminal ends of the plurality of second conductive elements each extend from a respective one of the plurality of protrusions extending from the rear surface of the base portion of the housing.

[0028] Optionally, the terminal ends of the plurality of first conductive elements each extend from the rear surface of the base portion of the housing between respective adjacent projections of the plurality of projections.

[0029] Optionally, the connecting end of each of the plurality of first conductive elements comprises a first and a second support aligned in the vertical direction, the first support extending beyond the second support in the connecting direction; each of the first and second supports includes a contact portion; and the contact portions of the first and second supports are aligned in the connecting direction.

[0030] Optionally, the connecting end of each of the plurality of conductive elements comprises a first and a second support, the first support extending beyond the second support in the connecting direction; each of the first and second supports comprises a contact portion; the contact portions of the first and second supports are aligned in the connecting direction; and the first supports of the plurality of conductive elements are arranged between respective second supports and the tab portion of the housing.

[0031] Optionally, for each of the plurality of conductive elements, the contact portion of each of the first and second carriers comprises: a first end segment having a first width in the longitudinal direction; a second end segment having a second width in the longitudinal direction, the second width being less than the first width; a first transition segment connecting the first end segment and the second end segment; a first front surface adjacent a front end of the tab portion and extending from the first end segment through the first transition segment to the second end segment; and a first rear surface away from the front of the tab portion and extending from the first end segment through the first transition segment to the second end segment.

[0032] Optionally, the housing comprises a receiving portion extending from the base portion and enclosing a receiving space open at one end opposite the base portion; and the tab portion is disposed in the receiving space.

[0033] Some embodiments relate to an electronic system. The electronic system may include the receptacle connector described herein; and a connector configured to mate with the receptacle connector.The connector may comprise a housing having a base portion and a receiving portion extending from the base portion and enclosing a receiving space, wherein the receiving portion of the housing of the connector is configured to be inserted into the receiving space of the receptacle connector such that the tab portion of the receptacle connector is disposed in the receiving space of the connector; a first flexible cable held by the housing and comprising a plurality of contact pads configured to contact the contact portions of the plurality of first conductive elements; and a second flexible cable held by the housing and comprising a plurality of contact pads configured to contact the contact portions of the plurality of second conductive elements.

[0034] Optionally, the receiving portion of the housing of the connector includes an overhanging component; the receiving portion of the housing of the receptacle connector includes a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the overhanging component of the connector and a bulge configured to engage the overhanging component of the connector; and the electronic system includes a connector position assurance device configured to engage both the overhanging component of the connector and the recess of the receiving portion of the housing of the receptacle connector to secure the connector to the receptacle connector.

[0035] Optionally, the connector housing includes a flange portion configured to engage a front surface of the receptacle connector housing; and the connector flange portion includes a recess spaced from the front surface of the receptacle connector housing and configured to receive a tool to separate the connector from the receptacle connector.

[0036] Some embodiments relate to an electrical connector. The electrical connector comprises: an insulating housing; a plurality of flexible cables, each including a connecting end having a plurality of conductive contacts, the connecting ends of the plurality of flexible cables disposed within the insulating housing; and a latching member mounted on the insulating housing and configured to retain the connecting ends of the plurality of flexible cables within the insulating housing.

[0037] Optionally, the insulating housing comprises a base portion and a plurality of first channels each extending through the base portion in a lateral direction, the plurality of first channels being spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the lateral direction, a first segment of the connecting end of each of the plurality of flexible cables being disposed in a corresponding one of the plurality of first channels such that the connecting ends of the plurality of flexible cables are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0038] Optionally, for each flexible cable, the first segment has a side edge, the locking member is mounted to the base portion, and is configured to move between a pre-locked position in which the locking member does not engage the side edges of the first segments of the plurality of flexible cables to allow the first segments to move through the first channels in the lateral direction, and a locked position in which the locking member engages the side edges of the first segments of the plurality of flexible cables to retain the first segments in the first channels.

[0039] Optionally, for each flexible cable, the side edge of the first segment is arranged in an end portion of the corresponding first channel. The insulating housing further comprises at least one second channel, each extending from the outside of the base portion into the base portion in the vertical direction and through the end portions of the plurality of first channels. The locking element comprises at least one first arm. Each first arm comprises a first body extending in the vertical direction and at least one first groove extending through the first body in the lateral direction. Each of the at least one first arm is inserted into a corresponding one of the at least one second channel and is configured to be able to move in the corresponding second channel in the vertical direction when the locking element is placed in the pre-locked position.each of the at least one first groove is aligned with the end portions of a corresponding one of the plurality of first channels in the lateral direction to allow the side edge of the corresponding first segment to move through the end portion and the first groove in the lateral direction.

[0040] Optionally, for each flexible cable, the first segment comprises a notch recessed into the first segment from the side edge in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the lateral direction and the vertical direction, the corresponding notches of the first segments of the plurality of flexible cables are aligned with each other in the vertical direction and are aligned with a corresponding one of the at least one second channel in the vertical direction, when the locking element is placed in the locked position, the at least one first groove of the first arm inserted into the corresponding second channel is moved to be offset from the end portions of the plurality of first channels in the lateral direction, and the first body of the first arm is moved into and engaged with the notches of the first segments of the plurality of flexible cables to hold the first segments in the first channels.

[0041] Optionally, the locking element further comprises a plate body and at least one second arm, each of the at least one first arm extends from the plate body in the vertical direction, each of the at least one second arm extends from the plate body in the vertical direction and comprises a bulge, the base portion comprises at least one first slot and at least one second slot, the bulge of each of the at least one second arm is configured to be selectively snapped into a corresponding one of the at least one first slot and a corresponding one of the at least one second slot, the locking element is placed in the pre-locked position when the bulge of each second arm is snapped into the corresponding first slot, and the locking element is placed in the locked position when the bulge of each second arm is snapped into the corresponding second slot.

[0042] Optionally, the at least one first arm comprises two first arms, the two first arms each extend from a first surface of the plate body in the vertical direction and are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction along a first center line, the at least one second arm comprises two second arms, the two second arms each extend from the first surface in the vertical direction and are aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction along a second center line, the first center line and the second center line do not overlap each other.

[0043] Optionally, the plate body comprises a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction, the at least one second arm comprises two second arms, the two second arms extend from the plate body in the vertical direction at the first end and the second end, respectively, and the bulges of the two second arms are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction, the base portion comprises a first end surface and a second end surface that are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction, a second groove that is recessed into the base portion from the first end surface in the longitudinal direction, and a third groove that is recessed into the base portion from the second end surface in the longitudinal direction, the first slot and the second slot are formed at the bottom of the second groove and the bottom of the third groove, respectively, the two second arms are received in the second groove and the third groove, respectively.

[0044] Optionally, for each flexible cable, the side edge of the first segment of the connecting end comprises a first side edge and a second side edge that are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction, the first segment comprises a first notch recessed into the first segment from the first side edge in the longitudinal direction, and a second notch recessed into the first segment from the second side edge in the longitudinal direction, the at least one second channel comprises two second channels, the first notches of the first segments of the plurality of flexible cables are aligned with each other in the vertical direction and are aligned with one of the two second channels in the vertical direction, the second notches of the first segments of the plurality of flexible cables are aligned with each other in the vertical direction and are aligned with the other of the two second channels in the vertical direction, the at least one first arm comprises two first arms,each arranged in a corresponding one of the two second channels.,

[0045] Optionally, the insulating housing further comprises a receiving portion extending from the base portion in the lateral direction and enclosing a receiving space open at one end opposite the base portion, for each flexible cable, the connecting end further comprises a second segment extending from the first segment in the lateral direction, the plurality of conductive contacts are arranged on the second segment, the second segments of the plurality of flexible cables are positioned in the receiving space.

[0046] Optionally, for each flexible cable, the second segment comprises a side edge and a notch recessed into the second segment from the side edge in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the lateral direction and the vertical direction, the insulating housing further comprises a plurality of supports extending from the base portion into the receiving space in the lateral direction, each support comprising a bulge, the bulge of each of the plurality of supports engages the notch of the second segment of a corresponding one of the plurality of flexible cables to hold the second segment in the receiving space.

[0047] Optionally, the plurality of flexible cables comprises a first flexible cable and a second flexible cable, the second segment of the first flexible cable and the second segment of the second flexible cable are adjacent to each other and are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, and the plurality of conductive contacts of the first flexible cable and the plurality of conductive contacts of the second flexible cable are opposite each other and are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, a first group of the plurality of supports extends from the base portion in the lateral direction and between the second segment of the first flexible cable and the second segment of the second flexible cable and engages the notches of the second segment of the first flexible cable,a second group of the plurality of supports extends from the base portion in the lateral direction and between the second segment of the first flexible cable and the second segment of the second flexible cable and engages the notches of the second segment of the second flexible cable.

[0048] Optionally, each of the plurality of supports comprises a third body, and the bulge protrudes from the third body in the vertical direction, the receiving portion comprises a first wall and a second wall that are opposite to each other and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, the first wall and the third bodies of the supports of the first group clamp the side edges of the second segment of the first flexible cable therebetween, the second wall and the third bodies of the supports of the second group clamp the side edges of the second segment of the second flexible cable therebetween.

[0049] Optionally, the second segment of the first flexible cable comprises a first side edge and a second side edge opposite each other in the longitudinal direction, a first notch recessed into the second segment from the first side edge in the longitudinal direction, and a second notch recessed into the second segment from the second side edge in the longitudinal direction. If the first group comprises two supports, the bulges of the two supports engage with the first notch and the second notch, respectively, of the second segment of the first flexible cable to hold the second segment in the receiving space.

[0050] Optionally, the second segment of the second flexible cable comprises a third side edge and a fourth side edge opposite each other in the longitudinal direction, a third notch recessed into the second segment from the third side edge in the longitudinal direction, and a fourth notch recessed into the second segment from the fourth side edge in the longitudinal direction. If the second group comprises two supports, the bulges of the two supports engage with the third notch and the fourth notch, respectively, of the second segment of the second flexible cable to hold the second segment in the receiving space.

[0051] Optionally, the second segment of the first flexible cable comprises a first side edge and a second side edge opposite each other in the longitudinal direction, a profile of the first side edge and a profile of the second side edge are asymmetric about a centerline of the second segment.

[0052] Optionally, the second segment of the second flexible cable comprises a third side edge and a fourth side edge opposite each other in the longitudinal direction, a profile of the third side edge and a profile of the fourth side edge are asymmetric about a centerline of the second segment.

[0053] Optionally, the first segment of the first flexible cable and the first segment of the second flexible cable each comprise two side edges that are opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction, the first segment of the first flexible cable and the first segment of the second flexible cable are parallel to each other and delimit a median plane therebetween, the two side edges of the first segment of the first flexible cable delimit a first outer profile of the first flexible cable, the two side edges of the first segment of the second flexible cable delimit a second outer profile of the second flexible cable, the first outer profile and the second outer profile are asymmetric about the median plane.

[0054] Optionally, the receiving portion comprises a first wall and a second wall that are opposite to each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction, and a third wall and a fourth wall that are opposite to each other and spaced apart in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the lateral direction and the vertical direction. The first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall enclose the receiving space. The receiving portion is configured to be inserted into a housing of a second electrical connector for connection to the electrical connector. The first wall and the third wall are connected to each other at a first corner, and the first wall and the fourth wall are connected to each other at a second corner. The receiving portion further comprises a first rib that projects outwardly from the first wall in the vertical direction at the first corner, and a second rib.which projects outward from the first wall in the vertical direction at the second corner, the first rib and the second rib each extend in the lateral direction.

[0055] Optionally, the receiving portion comprises a first wall and a second wall that are opposite to each other and spaced from each other in the vertical direction, and a third wall and a fourth wall that are opposite to each other and spaced from each other in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the lateral direction and the vertical direction, the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall enclose the receiving space, the receiving portion is configured to be inserted into a housing of a second electrical connector for connection to the electrical connector, the third wall extends beyond the first wall and the second wall in the lateral direction to form a first protrusion, the fourth wall extends beyond the first wall and the second wall in the lateral direction to form a second protrusion.

[0056] Optionally, the receiving portion comprises: a first wall and a second wall that are opposite to each other and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction; a groove that is recessed into the first wall from an outer surface of the first wall in the vertical direction and extends in the lateral direction, the groove comprising a bottom wall and a first side wall and a second side wall that are opposite to each other in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the lateral direction and the vertical direction;and an overhanging component comprising: a first elastic support and a second elastic support, each extending from the bottom wall toward the base portion in the lateral direction, the first elastic support and the second elastic support each having a first end and a second end opposite each other in the lateral direction, the first end being connected to the bottom wall, the second end being configured to be unfixed and spaced from the bottom wall in the vertical direction, the first elastic support and the second elastic support being spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction and defining a receiving space therebetween; a third support extending from the second end of the first elastic support to the second end of the second elastic support in the longitudinal direction;and a fourth carrier extending in the longitudinal direction and comprising a third end and a fourth end opposite each other in the longitudinal direction, the third end being connected to the first elastic carrier between the first end and the second end of the first elastic carrier and the fourth end being connected to the second elastic carrier between the first end and the second end of the second elastic carrier, the fourth carrier being configured to engage a mating recess of a second electrical connector when the electrical connector is connected to the second electrical connector.;

[0057] Optionally, the locking element is a first locking element. If the electrical connector further comprises a second locking element arranged in the groove, the second locking element comprises: a base body; a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm, each extending from the base body in the lateral direction, wherein the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm are opposite to each other and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction and respectively engage the first side wall and the second side wall of the groove to hold the second locking element in the groove, wherein the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm each comprise a first projection projecting in the vertical direction; and a third elastic arm extending obliquely from the base body in the lateral direction into the receiving space and having a second projection at one end opposite the base body,wherein the second locking element is configured to be movable in the groove in the lateral direction between a first position and a second position relative to the overhanging component, wherein: when the second locking element is placed in the first position, the first projection of the first elastic arm and the first projection of the second elastic arm respectively engage the first elastic support and the second elastic support below the first elastic support and the second elastic support, and the second projection of the third elastic arm is positioned to engage the fourth support on a side of the fourth support opposite the third support, thereby locking the overhanging component to prevent the third support and the fourth support from moving toward the bottom wall when biased toward the bottom wall; and when the second locking element is placed in the second position,the first projection of the first elastic arm and the first projection of the second elastic arm do not engage the first elastic support and the second elastic support below the first elastic support and the second elastic support, and the second projection of the third elastic arm is positioned between the fourth support and the third support, thereby unlocking the overhanging component to allow the third support and the fourth support to move toward the bottom wall when biased toward the bottom wall.

[0058] Optionally, the multiple flexible cables include a flexible flat cable (FFC), a flexible printed circuit board (FPC), or a combination thereof.

[0059] Some embodiments relate to an electrical connector. The electrical connector comprises: an insulating housing including a base portion and a tab portion extending from the base portion in a lateral direction, the tab portion including a first surface and a second surface opposite each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the lateral direction; and a plurality of conductive elements disposed in the insulating housing, each conductive element including a connecting end having a connecting contact portion, a terminating end opposite the connecting end, and an intermediate portion connecting the connecting end and the terminating end.The plurality of conductive elements comprises: a plurality of first conductive elements arranged in a first row in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the lateral direction and the vertical direction, and wherein the connecting ends of the plurality of first conductive elements extend into the tab portion, the connecting contact portions thereof protruding from the first surface; and a plurality of second conductive elements arranged in a second row in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the connecting ends of the plurality of second conductive elements extend into the tab portion, the connecting contact portions thereof protruding from the second surface. The connecting ends of the plurality of first conductive elements and the connecting ends of the plurality of second conductive elements are offset from each other in the vertical direction.

[0060] Optionally, the base portion comprises a third surface and a fourth surface on a side opposite the tab portion, the third surface and the fourth surface being perpendicular to the lateral direction and facing in the same direction, the fourth surface being farther from the tab portion in the lateral direction than the third surface, the terminal ends of the plurality of first conductive elements extending from the third surface of the base portion in the lateral direction, the terminal ends of the plurality of second conductive elements extending from the fourth surface of the base portion in the lateral direction.

[0061] Optionally, the base portion comprises a plurality of protrusions protruding from the third surface in the lateral direction, aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, each protrusion comprising a rear surface parallel to the third surface and facing in the same direction as the third surface, the rear surfaces of the plurality of protrusions being coplanar, the fourth surface of the base portion comprising the rear surfaces of the plurality of protrusions, the terminal end of each of the plurality of second conductive elements extending from the rear surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of protrusions of the base portion in the lateral direction.

[0062] Optionally, the electrical connector is configured to be mounted on a circuit board, wherein the base portion comprises an upper surface and a lower surface that oppose each other in the vertical direction, wherein the lower surface faces toward a surface of the circuit board when the electrical connector is mounted on the circuit board, wherein the second surface of the tab portion is closer to the lower surface of the base portion in the vertical direction than the first surface, wherein for the plurality of conductive elements, the terminal end of each conductive element comprises a first segment extending from the intermediate portion and out of the base portion in the lateral direction, a second segment configured to be mounted on the circuit board, and a third segment connecting the first segment and the second segment, wherein the third segment extends from the first segment toward a plane,which is defined by the lower surface of the base portion, wherein each two adjacent ones of the plurality of projections define a gap therebetween in the longitudinal direction, wherein the third segment of each of the plurality of first conductive elements extends through the gap between two corresponding adjacent projections in the vertical direction, so that the third segments of each two adjacent first conductive elements are separated by the projection.

[0063] Optionally, the first segment and the third segment of the first conductive element do not extend beyond the rear surface of the protrusion in the lateral direction.

[0064] Optionally, for the plurality of conductive elements, the second segment of the terminal end of each conductive element is configured to be mounted on a conductive pad of the circuit board, wherein mounting surfaces of the second segments of the terminal ends of the plurality of conductive elements are coplanar in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, wherein the second segments of the plurality of first conductive elements are closer to the third surface than the second segments of the plurality of second conductive elements, wherein the second segments of the plurality of first conductive elements and the second segments of the plurality of second conductive elements are offset from each other in the lateral direction.

[0065] Optionally, the intermediate portions of the plurality of first conductive elements and the intermediate portions of the plurality of second conductive elements are arranged in the base portion and are offset from each other in the vertical direction.

[0066] Some embodiments relate to an electrical connector. The electrical connector comprises: an insulating housing including a base portion and a tab portion extending from the base portion in a lateral direction, the base portion including a third surface and a fourth surface on a side opposite the tab portion, the third surface and the fourth surface being perpendicular to the lateral direction and facing in the same direction, the fourth surface being farther from the tab portion in the lateral direction than the third surface; and a plurality of conductive elements disposed in the insulating housing, each conductive element including a connecting end having a connecting contact portion, a terminating end opposite the connecting end, and an intermediate portion connecting the connecting end and the terminating end.The plurality of conductive elements comprises: a plurality of first conductive elements, wherein the plurality of first conductive elements are arranged in a first row in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the lateral direction, and wherein the terminal ends of the plurality of first conductive elements extend from the third surface of the base portion in the lateral direction, and a plurality of second conductive elements, wherein the plurality of second conductive elements are arranged in a second row in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the terminal ends of the plurality of second conductive elements extend from the fourth surface of the base portion in the lateral direction.

[0067] Optionally, the base portion comprises a plurality of protrusions protruding from the third surface in the lateral direction, the plurality of protrusions being aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, each protrusion comprising a rear surface parallel to the third surface and facing in the same direction as the third surface, the rear surfaces of the plurality of protrusions being coplanar, the fourth surface of the base portion comprising the rear surfaces of the plurality of protrusions, the terminal end of each of the plurality of second conductive elements extending from the rear surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of protrusions of the base portion in the lateral direction.

[0068] Optionally, the electrical connector is configured to be mounted on a circuit board, wherein the base portion comprises an upper surface and a lower surface that oppose each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction, wherein the lower surface faces a surface of the circuit board when the electrical connector is mounted on the circuit board, wherein for the plurality of conductive elements, the terminal end of each conductive element comprises a first segment that extends from the intermediate portion and out of the base portion in the lateral direction, a second segment that is configured to be mounted on the circuit board, and a third segment that connects the first segment and the second segment, wherein the third segment extends from the first segment toward a plane defined by the lower surface of the base portion,wherein each two adjacent ones of the plurality of projections define a gap therebetween in the longitudinal direction, wherein at least a portion of the third segment of each of the plurality of first conductive elements extends through the gap between two corresponding adjacent projections in the vertical direction, so that at least the portions of the third segments of each two adjacent first conductive elements are separated by the projection.

[0069] Optionally, the intermediate portions of the plurality of first conductive elements and the intermediate portions of the plurality of second conductive elements are arranged in the base portion, and the intermediate portion of each of the plurality of first conductive elements and the intermediate portion of a corresponding one of the plurality of second conductive elements are aligned with each other in the vertical direction, wherein each of the plurality of projections has a side surface facing away from a plane defined by the lower surface of the base portion, wherein for the plurality of first conductive elements, the third segment of each first conductive element comprises a first segment extending from the first segment in the longitudinal direction and a second segment extending from the first segment to the second segment in the vertical direction,wherein the first segment of the first conductive element extends from the third surface of the base portion in the longitudinal direction beyond the side surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of projections, the first segment of the third segment extending along the side surface in the longitudinal direction, and the second segment extending through the gap between two corresponding adjacent projections in the vertical direction.

[0070] Optionally, the first segment and the third segment of the first conductive element do not extend beyond the rear surface of the protrusion in the lateral direction.

[0071] Optionally, for the plurality of conductive elements, the second segment of the terminal end of each conductive element is configured to be mounted on a conductive pad of the circuit board, wherein mounting surfaces of the second segments of the terminal ends of the plurality of conductive elements are coplanar in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, wherein the second segments of the plurality of first conductive elements are closer to the third surface than the second segments of the plurality of second conductive elements, wherein the second segments of the plurality of first conductive elements and the second segments of the plurality of second conductive elements are offset from each other in the lateral direction.

[0072] Optionally, the tab portion comprises a first surface and a second surface that oppose each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the lateral direction and the longitudinal direction, wherein the connecting ends of the plurality of first conductive elements extend into the tab portion, the connecting contact portions thereof protruding from the first surface, and wherein the connecting ends of the plurality of second conductive elements extend into the tab portion, the connecting contact portions protruding from the second surface, wherein the connecting end of each of the plurality of first conductive elements and the connecting end of a corresponding one of the plurality of second conductive elements are aligned with each other in the vertical direction.

[0073] Optionally, for each first conductive element, the connection end comprises a first support and a second support extending from the intermediate portion in the lateral direction in a first plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, the first support and the second support each having a contact portion, the first support being longer in the lateral direction than the second support, such that the contact portion of the first support and the contact portion of the second support protrude from the first surface and are aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction, and such that the contact portion of the first support is closer to a front end of the tab portion opposite the base portion than the contact portion of the second support.

[0074] Optionally, for the first support of each first conductive element, the first support comprises a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other, and a first straight segment connecting the first end and the second end, the first end being connected to the intermediate portion and the second end being configured to be unfixed, the first straight segment extending obliquely from the first end relative to the lateral direction toward the second support to the second end, the contact portion being located at the second end and protruding from the first straight segment in the vertical direction.

[0075] Optionally, for the second support of each first conductive element, the second support comprises a third end and a fourth end that are opposite to each other, a curved segment extending from the third end, and a second straight segment connecting the curved segment and the fourth end, the third end being connected to the intermediate portion and the fourth end being configured to be unfixed, the curved segment being curved from the third end toward the first support such that the second straight segment and the fourth end are located between the intermediate portion and the second end of the first support of the first conductive element in the lateral direction, the second straight segment extending from the curved segment to the fourth end, the contact portion being located at the fourth end and protruding from the second straight segment in the vertical direction.

[0076] Optionally, for each first conductive element, the contact portion of the first support has a convex shape and comprises a first front surface adjacent to the front end of the tab portion in the lateral direction and a first rear surface away from the front end of the tab portion in the lateral direction, wherein the first front surface is formed as an inclined guide surface and / or the first rear surface is formed as an inclined guide surface.

[0077] Optionally, the contact portion of the second support has a convex shape and comprises a second front surface adjacent to the front end of the tab portion in the lateral direction and a second rear surface away from the front end of the tab portion in the lateral direction, wherein the second front surface is formed as an inclined guide surface and / or the second rear surface is formed as an inclined guide surface.

[0078] Optionally, the contact portion of the first beam has a convex shape and comprises a first end segment and a second end segment that are opposite to each other in the vertical direction, and a first transition segment that connects the first end segment and the second end segment, wherein the first end segment is connected to the second end of the first beam and has a constant first width in the longitudinal direction, wherein the second end segment has a constant second width in the longitudinal direction, wherein the second width is smaller than the first width, wherein a cross-section of the first transition segment perpendicular to the lateral direction has an isosceles trapezoidal shape and the first transition segment has a width in the longitudinal direction that tapers from the first width to the second width.

[0079] Optionally, the contact portion of the second beam has a convex shape and comprises a third end segment and a fourth end segment that are opposite to each other in the vertical direction, and a second transition segment that connects the third end segment and the fourth end segment, wherein the third end segment is connected to the fourth end of the second beam and has a constant third width in the longitudinal direction, wherein the fourth end segment has a constant fourth width in the longitudinal direction, wherein the fourth width is smaller than the third width, wherein a cross-section of the second transition segment perpendicular to the lateral direction has an isosceles trapezoidal shape and the second transition segment has a width in the longitudinal direction that tapers from the third width to the fourth width.

[0080] Optionally, the first carrier and the second carrier are flexible carriers.

[0081] Optionally, the contact portion of the first carrier and the contact portion of the second carrier together form the connecting contact portion of the connecting end of the first conductive element.

[0082] Optionally, for each second conductive element, the connection end comprises a third support and a fourth support extending from the intermediate portion in the lateral direction in a second plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, the third support and the fourth support each having a contact portion, the third support being longer in the lateral direction than the fourth support, such that the contact portion of the third support and the contact portion of the fourth support protrude from the second surface and are aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction, and such that the contact portion of the third support is closer to the front end of the tab portion than the contact portion of the fourth support.

[0083] Optionally, the insulating housing further comprises a receiving portion extending from the base portion in the lateral direction and enclosing a receiving space open at one end opposite the base portion, wherein the tab portion is positioned in the receiving space.

[0084] Optionally, the receiving portion comprises a first wall and a second wall that are opposite to each other and spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction and the longitudinal direction, and a third wall and a fourth wall that are opposite to each other and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, wherein the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall enclose the receiving space, wherein the receiving portion is configured to receive a housing of a second electrical connector for connection to the electrical connector, wherein the first wall and the third wall are connected to each other at a first corner and the first wall and the fourth wall are connected to each other at a second corner, wherein the receiving portion further comprises a first groove recessed from the receiving space into the first wall in the vertical direction at the first corner, and a second groove,which is recessed from the receiving space into the first wall in the vertical direction at the second corner, wherein the first groove and the second groove each extend in the lateral direction.,

[0085] Some embodiments relate to a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector mated with the first electrical connector. The first electrical connector includes: an insulating first housing; and a first flexible cable and a second flexible cable, each including a connecting end having a plurality of conductive contacts, wherein the connecting end of the first flexible cable and the connecting end of the second flexible cable are disposed within the first housing and spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction such that the plurality of conductive contacts of the first flexible cable and the plurality of conductive contacts of the second flexible cable oppose each other and are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.The second electrical connector comprises: an insulating second housing including a tab portion including a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other in the vertical direction; and a plurality of conductive elements each including a connecting end having a connecting contact portion, wherein the plurality of conductive elements are arranged in the second housing, the connecting contact portions of the connecting ends protruding from the first surface and the second surface.The tab portion of the second electrical connector is received in the first housing of the first electrical connector and is positioned between the connecting end of the first flexible cable and the connecting end of the second flexible cable such that the connecting contact portions of the connecting ends of the plurality of conductive elements electrically contact the plurality of conductive contacts of the first flexible cable and the plurality of conductive contacts of the second flexible cable.

[0086] Optionally, for each of the first flexible cable and the second flexible cable, the connecting end comprises a first segment and a second segment extending from the first segment in a lateral direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, wherein the plurality of conductive contacts are arranged on the second segment, wherein the first housing comprises a first base portion and a first receiving portion extending from the first base portion in the lateral direction and enclosing a first receiving space open at one end opposite the first base portion, wherein the first segment of the first flexible cable and the first segment of the second flexible cable are held in the first base portion, wherein the second segment of the first flexible cable and the second segment of the second flexible cable are positioned in the first receiving space and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction,such that the plurality of conductive contacts of the first flexible cable and the plurality of conductive contacts of the second flexible cable are opposite each other and spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, wherein the tab portion of the second electrical connector is received in the first receiving space of the first electrical connector and is positioned between the second segment of the first flexible cable and the second segment of the second flexible cable.

[0087] Optionally, the second housing comprises a second base portion and a second receiving portion, wherein the tab portion and the second receiving portion each extend from the second base portion in the lateral direction, wherein the second receiving portion encloses a second receiving space open at one end opposite the second base portion, and wherein the tab portion is positioned in the second receiving space, wherein the first receiving portion of the first housing is received in the second receiving portion of the second housing and is positioned between the tab portion and the second receiving portion of the second housing.

[0088] Optionally, the first receiving portion of the first housing comprises a first wall and a second wall that are opposite to each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction, and a third wall and a fourth wall that are opposite to each other and spaced apart in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the lateral direction and the vertical direction, wherein the first wall, the second wall, the third wall, and the fourth wall enclose the first receiving space, wherein the first wall and the third wall are connected to each other at a first corner and the first wall and the fourth wall are connected to each other at a second corner, wherein the second receiving portion of the second housing comprises a fifth wall and a sixth wall that are opposite to each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction, and a seventh wall and an eighth wall that are opposite to each other and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction,wherein the fifth wall, the sixth wall, the seventh wall, and the eighth wall enclose the second receiving space, wherein the fifth wall and the seventh wall are connected to each other at a third corner and the fifth wall and the eighth wall are connected to each other at a fourth corner, wherein the first wall and the second segment of the first flexible cable are received between the fifth wall and the tab portion, wherein the second wall and the second segment of the second flexible cable are received between the sixth wall and the tab portion, wherein the third wall is received between the seventh wall and the tab portion, and the fourth wall is received between the eighth wall and the tab portion.

[0089] Optionally, the first receiving portion of the first housing further comprises a first rib protruding outward from the first wall in the vertical direction at the first corner, and a second rib protruding outward from the first wall in the vertical direction at the second corner, the first rib and the second rib each extending in the lateral direction, the second receiving portion of the second housing further comprising a first groove cut into the fifth wall from the second receiving space in the vertical direction at the third corner, and a second groove cut into the fifth wall from the second receiving space in the vertical direction at the fourth corner, the first groove and the second groove each extending in the lateral direction, the first rib and the second rib each being received in the first groove and the second groove.

[0090] Optionally, the third wall extends beyond the first wall and the second wall in the lateral direction to form a first protrusion, and the fourth wall extends beyond the first wall and the second wall in the lateral direction to form a second protrusion, wherein the tab portion and the second receiving portion each extend from a third surface of the second base portion in the lateral direction, wherein the second housing further comprises a first recess and a second recess recessed in the lateral direction at opposite ends of the tab portion, respectively in the longitudinal direction from the second receiving space into the third surface of the second base portion, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are each received in the first recess and the second recess.

[0091] Optionally, the first receiving portion of the first housing comprises: a third groove recessed in the first wall in the vertical direction from an outer surface of the first wall and extending in the lateral direction, the third groove comprising a bottom wall and a first side wall and a second side wall opposite each other in the longitudinal direction;and an overhanging component comprising: a first elastic support and a second elastic support, each extending from the bottom wall in the lateral direction to the base portion, the first elastic support and the second elastic support each having a first end and a second end opposite to each other in the lateral direction, the first end being connected to the bottom wall, the second end being configured to be unfixed and spaced apart from the bottom wall in the vertical direction, the first elastic support and the second elastic support being spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction and defining a receiving space therebetween; a third support extending from the second end of the first elastic support to the second end of the second elastic support in the longitudinal direction;and a fourth support extending in the longitudinal direction and having a third end and a fourth end opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction, the third end being connected to the first elastic support between the first end and the second end of the first elastic support, and the fourth end being connected to the second elastic support between the first end and the second end of the second elastic support; wherein the second accommodating portion of the second housing comprises: a fourth groove recessed in the vertical direction from the second accommodating space into the fifth wall and extending in the lateral direction, the fourth groove including a bottom wall; and a bulge protruding from the bottom wall of the fourth groove into the fourth groove;wherein the first elastic support and the second elastic support extend into the fourth groove such that the fourth support is positioned in the fourth groove and the bulge is positioned between the fourth support and the third support and engages the fourth support;

[0092] Optionally, the first electrical connector further comprises a locking element arranged in the third groove, the locking element comprising: a base body; a first elastic arm and a second elastic arm, each extending from the base body in the lateral direction, the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm being opposite to each other and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction and respectively engaging with the first side wall and the second side wall of the third groove to hold the locking element in the third groove, the first elastic arm and the second elastic arm each comprising a first projection projecting in the vertical direction; and a third elastic arm extending obliquely from the base body in the lateral direction into the receiving space and having a second projection at one end opposite the base body;wherein the locking member is configured to be movable between a first position and a second position in the third groove in the lateral direction relative to the overhanging component, wherein: when the locking member is placed in the first position, the first projection of the first elastic arm and the first projection of the second elastic arm are respectively engaged with the first elastic support and the second elastic support below the first elastic support and the second elastic support, and the second projection of the third elastic arm is positioned to engage the fourth support on a side of the fourth support opposite the third support, thereby locking the overhanging component to prevent the third support and the fourth support from moving towards the bottom wall when biased towards the bottom wall;and when the locking member is placed in the second position, the first projection of the first elastic arm and the first projection of the second elastic arm are not engaged with the first elastic support and the second elastic support below the first elastic support and the second elastic support, and the second projection of the third elastic arm is positioned between the fourth support and the third support, thereby unlocking the overhanging component to allow the third support and the fourth support to move toward the bottom wall when biased toward the bottom wall;

[0093] Optionally, the second receiving portion of the second housing further comprises a reinforcing rib protruding from the bottom wall of the fourth groove into the fourth groove and extending in the lateral direction; the fourth bracket of the overhanging component comprises a first notch extending through the fourth bracket in the lateral direction; the second projection of the third elastic arm of the locking member comprises a second notch extending through the second projection in the lateral direction; and when the locking member is placed in the second position, the first notch and the second notch are aligned with each other in the lateral direction, and the reinforcing rib extends through the first notch and the second notch in the lateral direction.

[0094] Optionally, the first electrical connector is configured to be actuated by a tool when the locking element is placed in the second position to disconnect from the second electrical connector, wherein: the first housing comprises a flange portion that projects outwardly from the first base portion in the vertical direction and abuts against a front edge of the fifth wall of the second receiving portion in the lateral direction, the flange portion having a first side facing the front edge and a first receiving recess and a second receiving recess recessed into the flange portion from the first side in the lateral direction; and the tool comprises a tool body and a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg extending from the tool body, the third leg being located between the first leg and the second leg,wherein the first leg and the second leg of the tool are each receiveable in the first receiving recess and the second receiving recess to allow the third leg to align with the third support in the vertical direction and bias the third support toward the bottom wall to cause the fourth support to move toward the bottom wall to release from the bulge, and by deflecting the tool away from the base portion, the first leg and the second leg can pry open the first receiving portion of the first housing with the front edge of the fifth wall as a pivot point to cause the first receiving portion to move away from the second receiving portion in the lateral direction.

[0095] Optionally, the second electrical connector is configured to be mounted on a printed circuit board.

[0096] Optionally, the first flexible cable and the second flexible cable of the first electrical connector comprise a flexible flat cable (FFC), a flexible printed circuit board (FPC), or a combination thereof.

[0097] These techniques may be used alone or in any suitable combination. The above summaries are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0098] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be to scale. In the drawings, identical or nearly identical components illustrated in different figures may be represented by the same reference numeral. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings: Fig. 1A is a perspective view of an electronic system showing a first electrical connector (e.g., a plug connector) mated to a second electrical connector (e.g., a receptacle connector) mounted on a circuit board, according to some embodiments; Fig. 1B is another perspective view of the electronic system of Fig. 1A; Fig. 1C is a perspective view of the electronic system of Fig. 1A, showing rear ends of conductive elements of the second electrical connector connected to the circuit board; Fig. 2 a cross-sectional view of the electronic system of Fig. 1A along line II in Fig. 1A; Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the electronic system of Fig. 1A along line II-II in Fig. 2; Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the electronic system of Fig. 1A along line III-III in Fig. 2; Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the first electrical connector of Fig. 1A; Fig. 4B is an exploded perspective view of the first electrical connector of Fig. 4A, showing an insulating housing, a first flexible cable, a second flexible cable, a first locking element, and a second locking element, with a first side of the first flexible cable shown; Fig. 4C is a front view of the first electrical connector of Fig. 4A; Fig. 4D is a plan view of the first electrical connector of Fig. 4A; Fig. 4E is a perspective view of the first flexible cable showing a second side of the first flexible cable opposite the first side; Fig. 4F is a perspective view of another embodiment of the first electrical connector of Fig. 1A; Fig. 5A is a perspective view of the first locking element of the first electrical connector of Fig. 4A; Fig. 5B is a front view of the first locking element of Fig. 5A; Fig. 5C is a plan view of the first locking element of Fig. 5A; Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the first electrical connector of Fig. 4A or Fig. 4F along the line VII-VII in Fig. 4D, which shows the first locking element placed in a pre-locked position and the first flexible cable and the second flexible cable arranged in the insulating housing; Fig. 6B a cross-sectional view similar Fig. 6A, showing the first locking element placed in a locked position and the first flexible cable and the second flexible cable locked in the insulating housing; Fig. 6C is an enlarged view of area 6C of Fig. 6A; Fig. 6D an enlarged view of the area 6D of Fig. 6B; Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the first electrical connector of Fig. 4A or Fig. 4F along the line VV in Fig. 4C, showing the first flexible cable; Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the first electrical connector of Fig. 4A or Fig. 4F along line VI-VI in Fig. 4C, showing the second flexible cable; Fig. 8A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the first electrical connector of Fig. 4A or Fig. 4F along the line VIII-VIII in Fig. 4D, showing the first flexible cable and the second flexible cable inserted through channels of the insulating housing but not locked by supports of the insulating housing; Fig. 8B is a perspective cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 8A, showing the first flexible cable and the second flexible cable arranged in position in the insulating housing and locked by the supports of the insulating housing; Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of the second electrical connector of Fig. 1A; Fig. 9B is an exploded perspective view of the second electrical connector of Fig. 9A, showing an insulating housing, a hold-down tab, and a plurality of conductive elements; Fig. 9C is a perspective view of the second electrical connector of Fig. 9A; Fig. 9D an enlarged view of area 9D in Fig. 9C; Fig. 9E is a front view of the second electrical connector of Fig. 9A; Fig. 10A is a perspective view of a first (e.g., upper) conductive element of Fig. 9A; Fig. 10B is a perspective view of a second (e.g., lower) conductive element of Fig. 9A; Fig. 10C is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line 10C-10C of Fig. 10A; Fig. 10D an enlarged view of area 10D in Fig. 1C, showing rear ends of the first conductive elements and the second conductive elements connected to pads of the circuit board; Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the insulating housing of the second electrical connector of Fig. 9A; Fig. 12A is an exploded perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of the second electrical connector of Fig. 1A, showing an insulating housing, a hold-down tab, and a plurality of conductive elements; Fig. 12B is an enlarged view of area 12B in Fig. 12A, showing first (e.g., upper) conductive elements and second (e.g., lower) conductive elements; Fig. 13A is a perspective view of the first conductive element of Fig. 12B; Fig. 13B is a perspective view of the second conductive element of Fig. 12B; Fig. 14 a perspective view similar to the Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, which shows the second electrical connector of Fig. 12A, mated with the first electrical connector mounted on the circuit board; Fig. 15A is an enlarged view of area 15A in Fig. 4B; Fig. 15B is a perspective view of a second locking element of the first electrical connector of Fig. 4A; Fig. 16A is a perspective view of the electronic system schematically illustrating that an operating tool engages the first electrical connector to disconnect the first electrical connector from the second electrical connector; Fig. 16B is a perspective view of the electronic system of Fig. 1A schematically illustrates the use of an operating tool with the first electrical connector to disconnect the first electrical connector from the second electrical connector; Fig. 16C an enlarged view of the area 16C in Fig. 16B; Fig. 16D a side view of the electronic system of Fig. 16A, showing the first electrical connector beginning to separate from the second electrical connector; and Fig. 16E a side view similar Fig. 16B, showing the first electrical connector completely separated from the second electrical connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0099] The inventors have recognized and appreciated techniques for manufacturing compact, reliable connectors for use in harsh environments such as those presented by automobiles. For example, the connector can be used to connect a battery management system (BMS) and a cell sense circuit (CSC) in automobiles. The connector can be compatible with related standards, such as USCAR-2 and TC9.

[0100] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a connector may include an insulating housing, a plurality of flexible cables, and one or more locking elements. The plurality of flexible cables may include a flexible flat cable (FFC) and / or a flexible printed circuit board (FPC), which may be used to transfer signals and / or power between different PCBs or components on the same circuit board.

[0101] Each flexible cable may include a connecting end having a plurality of conductive contacts configured to contact complementary contacts of a mating connector (e.g., a receptacle connector). The connecting ends of the plurality of flexible cables may be disposed within the insulating housing. The insulating housing may include a base portion and a receiving portion extending from the base portion and beyond the conductive contacts of the flexible cables, which may reduce the risk of contamination of the conductive contacts of the flexible cables by, for example, a user's finger or a tool. Such a configuration may improve the safety and reliability of the connector.

[0102] For each flexible cable, the connecting end may include a first segment extending into the base portion of the housing and a second segment extending from the first segment and into a receiving space enclosed by the receiving portion. The second segments of the flexible cables may include the conductive contacts.

[0103] A locking element may be mounted on the base portion of the insulating housing and configured to retain the first segments of the connecting ends of the flexible cables within the insulating housing. The locking element may be configured to move between a pre-locked position and a locked position. Such a configuration may allow the connector to be pre-locked before the plurality of flexible cables are placed within the insulating housing, thus reducing the risk of accidental disengagement of the locking element during insertion of the plurality of flexible cables.

[0104] One or more locking supports may extend from the base portion of the housing into the receiving space of the housing. The locking supports may be configured to retain the second segments of the connecting ends of the flexible cables within the insulating housing.

[0105] Techniques described herein may enable the connecting ends of the flexible cables to be placed directly within the insulating housing to establish electrical connections with a mating electrical component (e.g., a receptacle connector). Techniques described herein may enable the connector to have a simpler structure and lower manufacturing costs than conventional connectors that use crimped cables.

[0106] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a receptacle connector may include an insulating housing and a plurality of conductive elements disposed within the insulating housing. The insulating housing may include a base portion and a tab portion extending from the base portion in a connecting direction. The tab portion may include an upper surface and a lower surface opposite each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the connecting direction. Each conductive element may include a connecting end having a connecting contact portion, a terminal end opposite the connecting end, and an intermediate portion connecting the connecting end and the terminal end.

[0107] The plurality of conductive elements may include a plurality of first conductive elements and a plurality of second conductive elements. The plurality of first conductive elements may be arranged in a first row in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to both the connection direction and the vertical direction. The plurality of second conductive elements may be arranged in a second row in the longitudinal direction.

[0108] The connecting ends of the plurality of first conductive elements may extend into the tab portion, with the connecting contact portions thereof protruding from the upper surface of the tab portion. The connecting ends of the plurality of second conductive elements may extend into the tab portion, with the connecting contact portions thereof protruding from the lower surface of the tab portion. The connecting ends of the plurality of first conductive elements and the connecting ends of the plurality of second conductive elements may be offset from each other in the vertical direction. Such a configuration can reduce a distance in the vertical direction between the first row and the second row while still ensuring a sufficient distance between the connecting ends of the first conductive elements and the connecting ends of the second conductive elements.Techniques described herein may enable the receptacle connector to have a lower profile (e.g., in the vertical Z direction) than conventional connectors. This facilitates miniaturization of the receptacle connector and enables a reduction in the footprint of the receptacle connector in the electronic system.

[0109] The terminal ends of the plurality of first conductive elements and the terminal ends of the plurality of second conductive elements may be offset in both the vertical direction and the mating direction. In some embodiments, the receptacle connector may include a plurality of protrusions that protrude from a rear surface of the base portion of the housing in the mating direction. The terminal ends of the plurality of second conductive elements may extend from respective ones of the plurality of protrusions. The terminal ends of the plurality of first conductive elements may extend from the rear surface of the base portion of the housing and between respective adjacent ones of the plurality of protrusions that protrude from the rear surface of the base portion.

[0110] With such a configuration, the creepage distances between the terminal ends of the plurality of first conductive elements and the terminal ends of the plurality of second conductive elements can be increased, thereby enabling the plurality of first conductive elements and the plurality of second conductive elements to be arranged at a closer pitch and increasing the dielectric strength of the receptacle connector. Techniques described herein can enable the receptacle connector to have smaller dimensions in the connection direction and / or in the longitudinal direction while providing a desired gap and creepage distance, such as those specified by automotive connector standards. This facilitates miniaturization of the receptacle connector and enables a reduction in the footprint of the receptacle connector in an electronic system.

[0111] The connecting end of each conductive element of the receptacle connector may include two or more supports, each providing a contact portion. In some embodiments, the connecting end of each conductive element may include a first and a second support aligned in the vertical direction. The first support may extend beyond the second support in the connecting direction such that the contact portions of the first and second supports are aligned in the connecting direction. Such a configuration may improve the reliability of the electrical connections provided by the receptacle connector. Such a configuration may improve the current-carrying capacity of the conductive elements, allowing the receptacle connector to meet the requirements of transmitting high currents.Such a configuration can increase the contact density of the socket connector, which facilitates the miniaturization of the socket connector.

[0112] According to aspects of the present disclosure, an electronic system may include a receptacle connector configured to be mounted on a circuit board and a plug connector configured to be mated together to form a connector assembly.

[0113] The connector may include an overhanging component having a proximal end connected to a front side of the connector housing and a distal end facing a rear side of the connector housing. The overhanging component may include first and second supports extending between the proximal end and the free end, and a third support connecting the first and second supports at the free end. The connector housing of the connector may include a flange portion substantially aligned with the third support of the overhanging portion. The flange portion and / or the third support of the overhanging portion may be configured to engage a front surface of the receptacle connector when the connector is mated with the receptacle connector.

[0114] The receiving portion of the housing of the receptacle connector may include a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the overhanging component of the connector. The receiving portion of the housing of the receptacle connector may include a protrusion configured to engage the overhanging component of the connector.

[0115] The electronic system may include a connector position assurance (CPA) device configured to engage both the overhanging component of the connector and the recess of the receiving portion of the housing of the receptacle connector to secure the connector to the receptacle connector.

[0116] The plug connector and the receptacle connector may include guiding features configured to cooperate with each other. Such guiding features may reduce the risk of inserting the plug connector into the receptacle connector in an oblique orientation, thereby providing protection for the mating conductive structures of the plug connector and the receptacle connector and allowing the connectors to operate while the system is running and ready for use (which may be referred to as hot plugging or hot swapping).

[0117] Some embodiments of the present application are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Electronic system

[0118] According to aspects of the present disclosure, Fig. 1A to Fig. 3B an electronic system 1 including an electrical connector 10, an electrical connector 20 and a circuit board 30. Fig. 4A to Fig. 8B and Fig. 15A to Fig. 15B illustrate the electrical connector 10. Fig. 9A to Fig. 14 illustrate the electrical connector 20. Fig. 16A to Fig. 16E schematically illustrate an exemplary process for separating the electrical connector 10 from the electrical connector 20.

[0119] For the sake of clarity and conciseness of the description, a lateral direction XX, a longitudinal direction YY and a vertical direction ZZ in Fig. 1A to Fig. 16E. The lateral direction XX, the longitudinal direction YY, and the vertical direction ZZ may be perpendicular to each other. The lateral direction XX may refer to a width direction of the electrical connector 10 and / or the electrical connector 20. The longitudinal direction YY may refer to a length direction of the electrical connector 10 and / or the electrical connector 20. The vertical direction ZZ may refer to a height direction of the electrical connector 10 and / or the electrical connector 20.

[0120] As in Fig. 1A to Fig. As shown in Figure 1C, the electronic system 1 includes the electrical connector 10, the electrical connector 20, and the circuit board 30.

[0121] In some embodiments, the printed circuit board 30 may be referred to as "a printed circuit board" or "a PCB." The printed circuit board 30 may be a motherboard, such as a motherboard for a battery management system (BMS).

[0122] The electrical connector 20 may be an on-board connector mounted on and connected to the circuit board 30. For example, the electrical connector 20 may be mechanically secured to the circuit board 30 and electrically connected to conductive structures (e.g., conductive pads or conductive vias) of the circuit board 30. The electrical connector 20 may provide an electrical interface for electrically connecting the electrical connector 10 to the circuit board 30.

[0123] The electrical connector 10 may be configured to electrically connect an electrical component to the electrical connector 20 and the circuit board 30. The electrical component may be, for example, a cell sensing circuit (CSC) configured to monitor the condition (e.g., voltage and temperature) of a battery cell.

[0124] The electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 can establish an electrical connection between the circuit board 30 and the electrical component for signal and / or power transmission. For example, battery cell condition data acquired by the CSC can be transmitted to a data acquisition module of the BMS via the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20. The electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 can form a connector assembly for signal and / or power transmission. It is understood that the use of the electronic system 1 and the connector assembly according to the present application is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 can be used in an on-board charger (OBC), a microcontroller (MCU), and the like.

[0125] As in Fig. 1A to Fig. 3B, the electrical connector 20 is arranged on a surface 31 of the printed circuit board 30 and is electrically connected to the conductive structures 32 (which are shown in Fig. 1C as conductive pads) of the circuit board 30. As described in detail below, a portion of the electrical connector 10 is inserted into a housing of the electrical connector 20 such that the conductive structures of the electrical connector 10 mate with the mating conductive structures of the electrical connector 20. In some embodiments, the electrical connector 10 may be referred to as "a first electrical connector" or "a plug connector," and the electrical connector 20 may be referred to as "a second electrical connector" or "a receptacle connector." connectors

[0126] Fig. 4A to Fig. 8B illustrate the electrical connector 10. As in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, the electrical connector 10 may include an insulating housing 100, a plurality of flexible cables 200, a locking element 300, and a locking element 400.

[0127] In some embodiments, the flexible cable 200 may be a flexible electrical connector having a flat-shaped connection end. The flexible cable 200 may be referred to as "a flat cable." For example, the flexible cable 200 may be electrically connected to an electrical component, such as a CSS, as described above, or the flexible cable 200 itself may be part of an electrical component, such as a CSS, as described above. The flexible cable 200 may be, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) or a flexible flat cable (FFC). The plurality of flexible cables 200 of the electrical connector 10 may include an FFC, an FPC, or the combination thereof.

[0128] The multiple flexible cables 200 are in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B as two flexible cables: a first flexible cable 200A and a second flexible cable 200B. The first flexible cable 200A may be referred to as "an upper flexible cable" and the second flexible cable 200B may be referred to as "a lower flexible cable." The configuration of the electrical connector 10 will be described in detail below in connection with an example of the electrical connector 10 that includes two flexible cables. It should be understood that the present application may not be so limited, and that the electrical connector 10 may include more than two (e.g., three, four, five, etc.) flexible cables.

[0129] Fig. 4B illustrates a first side of the first flexible cable 200A and Fig. Figure 4E illustrates a second side of the first 200A flexible cable opposite the first side. As shown in Fig. 4B and Fig. As shown in Figure 4E, the first flexible cable 200A includes a main body 201 and a connecting end 202.

[0130] The connection end 202 may have a flat shape. The connection end 202 may include a first surface 202a and a second surface 202b that oppose each other in the vertical direction ZZ. A plurality of conductive contacts 203 may be exposed on the first surface 202a of the connection end 202. The conductive contacts 203 may be referred to as "conductive contact strips" or "gold fingers." The conductive contacts 203 may be formed from a conductive material. The conductive material suitable for forming the conductive contact 203 may be a metallic material, such as a copper alloy. The main body 201 may extend from the connection end 202 to the other end (not shown) of the first flexible cable 200A and may provide an electrical connection between the connection end 202 and the other end, thereby enabling signal and / or power transmission.For example, the main body 201 may be flexible to accommodate bending. The connecting end 202 may be stiffened to accommodate insertion into the insulating housing 100 and for establishing an electrical connection with a mating electrical component (e.g., the electrical connector 20).

[0131] The structures of the second flexible cable 200B may be substantially similar to those of the first flexible cable 200A. For brevity, the structures of the second flexible cable 200B that may be similar to those of the first flexible cable 200A are labeled with the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings, and the details of these structures will not be repeated.

[0132] As in Fig. 4A, Fig. 4C and Fig. As shown in Figure 4D, the connecting end 202 of the first flexible cable 200A and the connecting end 202 of the second flexible cable 200B are disposed within the insulating housing 100. The locking element 300 is mounted on the insulating housing 100 and may be configured to retain and lock the connecting end 202 of the first flexible cable 200A and the connecting end 202 of the second flexible cable 200B within the insulating housing 100. The locking element 300 may be referred to as "a first locking element" or "an FPC / FFC position assurance device (FPA device)."

[0133] With such a configuration, the connecting end 202 of the first flexible cable 200A and the connecting end 202 of the second flexible cable 200B can be directly disposed within the insulating housing 100 to establish electrical connections with a mating electrical component. Such a configuration can simplify the structure of the electrical connector 10 and reduce its manufacturing cost compared to conventional electrical connectors that use crimped cables to connect the flat cable. With the locking element 300, the connecting end 202 of the first flexible cable 200A and the connecting end 202 of the second flexible cable 200B can be reliably held within the insulating housing 100. Holding the plurality of flexible cables by the single locking element 300 can simplify the structure and assembly process of the electrical connector 10.

[0134] The insulating housing 100 and the latching element 300 may be formed from an insulating material. Examples of insulating materials 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).

[0135] As in the Fig. 4B, Fig. 4C, Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B, Fig. 8A and Fig. As shown in Figure 8B, the insulating housing 100 includes a base portion 110 and two first channels 111 (which may be referred to as upper and lower channels), each extending through the base portion 110 from a rear surface 110a of the base portion 110 in the lateral direction XX. The two first channels 111 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction ZZ perpendicular to the lateral direction XX. For example, the two first channels 111 may be spaced apart from each other by a portion of the base portion 110 in the vertical direction ZZ.

[0136] As in the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4E, the connecting end 202 of the first flexible cable 200A may include a first segment 210 and a second segment 220. The first segment 210 of the connecting end 202 extends from the main body 201 in the lateral direction XX, and the second segment 220 extends from the first segment 210 away from the main body 201 in the lateral direction XX. For example, the first segment 210 extends between the second segment 220 and the main body 201 and connects the second segment 220 and the main body 201. The first flexible cable 200A may terminate at the second segment 220. The plurality of conductive contacts 203 are disposed on the second segment 220. The structure of the connecting end 202 of the second flexible cable 200B may be substantially similar to that of the connecting end 202 of the first flexible cable 200A. For brevity, the details of these identical sections will not be repeated.

[0137] As in the Fig. 6A to Fig. As shown in Figure 8B, the connecting end 202 of each of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B can be inserted into the insulating housing 100 from the rear surface 110a of the base portion 110 through a corresponding one of the two first channels 111. When the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B are positioned in the insulating housing 100, the first segment 210 of the connecting end 202 of each of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B is disposed in a corresponding one of the two first channels 111. The connecting end 202 of the first flexible cable 200A is disposed in the upper first channel 111, and the connecting end 202 of the second flexible cable 200B is disposed in the lower first channel 111. The connecting ends 202 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction ZZ.With such a configuration, the base portion 110 can restrict the movement of the first segments 210 of the connecting ends 202 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B relative to the insulating housing 100 in the longitudinal direction YY and the vertical direction ZZ, thereby holding the connecting ends 202 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B in the longitudinal direction YY and the vertical direction ZZ.

[0138] The first segment 210 of each of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B may have a side edge. Referring again to the Fig. 4B and Fig. 4E, the first segment 210 of the connecting end 202 of the first flexible cable 200A includes a first side edge 211 and a second side edge 212 that are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction YY. Similarly, the first segment 210 of the connecting end 202 of the second flexible cable 200B may also include a first side edge 211 and a second side edge 212 that are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction YY.

[0139] In some embodiments, as in the Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B, the locking element 300 is mounted on the base portion 110 and configured to move between a pre-locked position ( Fig. 6A) and a locked position ( Fig. 6B). For example, the locking element 300 is capable of moving between a pre-locked position / state ( Fig. 6A) and a locked position / state ( Fig. 6B) while remaining mounted on the base portion 110.

[0140] In the pre-locked position, as in Fig. 6A, the locking element 300 is not engaged with the side edges (e.g., the first side edges 211 and / or the second side edges 212) of the first segments 210 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B to allow the first segments 210 to move through the first channels 111 in the lateral direction XX. For example, the locking element 300 is mounted in the pre-locked position on the base portion 110 and allows the connecting end 202 of each of the first locking element 300 and the second locking element 200B to be inserted into the insulating housing 100 from the rear surface 110a of the base portion 110 through the corresponding first channel 111.

[0141] In the locked position, as in Fig. 6B, the locking element 300 engages the side edges (e.g., the first side edges 211 and / or the second side edges 212) of the first segments 210 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B to retain the first segments 210 in the first channels 111. For example, in the locked position, the locking element 300 may prevent the first segments 210 from moving in the first channels 111 in the lateral direction XX, thereby retaining the first segments 210 in the first channels 111. In this manner, the locking element 300 may retain the connecting ends 202 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B in the insulating housing 100.

[0142] When placed in the pre-locked position, the locking element 300 may be mounted on the insulating housing 100 and allow the connecting ends 202 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B to be inserted into the insulating housing 100. When placed in the locked position, the locking element 300 holds the connecting ends 202 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B in the insulating housing 100. Such a configuration may allow the locking element 300 to be installed on the insulating housing 100 (e.g.,Pre-locking of the locking element 300 prior to inserting the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B into the insulating housing 100, and locking the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B in position using the locking element 300 pre-installed on the insulating housing 100 after inserting the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B into the insulating housing 100. Such a configuration enables the electrical connector 10 to meet the requirements of specifications such as USCAR.Since the locking element 300 is pre-locked in position before inserting the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B, loss of the locking element 300 during installation of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B can be avoided, and the assembly efficiency of the electrical connector 10 can be improved.

[0143] For each of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B, a side edge of the first segment 210 is arranged in an end portion of the corresponding first channel 111. For example, as shown in Fig. 6A, the first side edge 211 of the first segment 210 is disposed in a first end portion 111a of the corresponding first channel 111, and the second side edge 212 is disposed in a second end portion 111b of the first channel 111. The first end portion 111a and the second end portion 111b are each disposed at opposite ends of the first channel 111 in the longitudinal direction YY.

[0144] In some embodiments, as in Fig. 6A to Fig. 6B, the insulating housing 100 may include two second channels 112. Each of the second channels 112 extends from the outside of the base portion 110 (which in the drawings is a second or bottom surface 110b of the base portion 110) into the base portion 110 in the vertical direction ZZ and through the corresponding end portions of the plurality of first channels 111 (e.g., the corresponding end portions of the first end portion 111a and the second end portion 111b). As shown in Fig. 5A to Fig. 6B, the locking element 300 may include two first arms 310. Each first arm 310 includes a first body 311 extending in the vertical direction ZZ and a first groove 312 extending through the first body 311 in the lateral direction XX. As shown in Fig. 6A to Fig. 6B, each of the two first arms 310 is inserted into a corresponding one of the two second channels 112 and configured to be able to move in the corresponding second channel 112 in the vertical direction ZZ.

[0145] When the locking element 300 is placed in the pre-locked position, the first groove 312 of each first arm 310 is aligned with the end portion of the corresponding first channel 111 in the lateral direction XX to allow the side edge of the corresponding first segment 210 to move through the end portion and the first groove 312 in the lateral direction XX. For example, as in Fig. 6A and Fig. 6C, when the locking element 300 is placed in the pre-locked position, the first groove 312 of one of the two first arms 310 is aligned with the first end portion 111a of the lower first channel 111 in the lateral direction XX, and the first groove 312 of the other of the two first arms 310 is aligned with the second end portion 111b of the lower first channel 111 in the lateral direction XX. This allows the first side edge 211 and the second side edge 212 of the first segment 210 of the second flexible cable 200B to move through the corresponding end portions and the first groove 312 in the lateral direction XX, thereby allowing the connecting end 202 of the second flexible cable 200B to extend through the first channel 111 in the lateral direction XX. This allows the connecting end 202 of the second flexible cable 200B to be inserted into and removed from the insulating housing 100 in the lateral direction XX.

[0146] Furthermore, as in Fig. 6A and Fig. 6C, when the locking element 300 is placed in the pre-locked position, the top surfaces of the first bodies 311 of the two first arms 310 do not extend in the vertical direction ZZ into the corresponding end portions of the first channel 111 for inserting the first flexible cable 200A, e.g., the top surfaces of the first bodies 311 of the two first arms 310 are positioned below the corresponding end portions of the first channel 111. This allows the first side edge 211 and the second side edge 212 of the first segment 210 of the first flexible cable 200A to move through the corresponding end portions in the lateral direction XX, thereby allowing the connecting end 202 of the first flexible cable 200A to pass through the first channel 111 in the lateral direction XX.This allows the connecting end 202 of the first flexible cable 200A to be inserted into the insulating housing 100 and moved out of the insulating housing 100 in the lateral direction XX. It should be understood that the present application is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the first body 311 of the first arm 310 may include an additional first groove 312 configured to align with the corresponding end portion of the upper first channel 111 for insertion of the first flexible cable 200A when the locking element 300 is placed in the pre-locked position.

[0147] For example, each first arm 310 may include at least one first groove 312 extending through the first body 311 in the lateral direction XX. When the locking element 300 is placed in the pre-locked position, each of the at least one first groove 312 of each first arm 310 may be aligned with the end portion of a corresponding one of the plurality of first channels 111 in the lateral direction XX to allow the side edges of the corresponding first segment 210 to move through the end portions and the first groove 312 in the lateral direction XX.

[0148] In some embodiments, the first segment 210 of each of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B may include a notch recessed into the first segment 210 from the side edge in the longitudinal direction YY. For example, as shown in Fig. 4E, the first segment 210 of the first flexible cable 200A includes a first notch 213 recessed into the first segment 210 from the first side edge 211 in the longitudinal direction YY, and a second notch 214 recessed into the first segment 210 from the second side edge 212 in the longitudinal direction YY. The structure of the first segment 210 of the second flexible cable 200B may be substantially similar to that of the first segment 210 of the first flexible cable 200A and may include the first notch 213 and the second notch 214. For brevity, the details of these identical portions will not be repeated.

[0149] When the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B are arranged in position in the insulating housing 100, the corresponding notches of the first segments 210 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B are aligned with each other in the vertical direction ZZ and aligned with a corresponding one of the two second channels 112.For example, when the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B are arranged in position in the insulating housing 100, the first notches 213 (located on the first side edges 211) of the first segments 210 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B are aligned with each other in the vertical direction ZZ and aligned with the corresponding one of the two second channels 112, and the second notches 214 (located on the second side edges 212) of the first segments 210 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B are aligned with each other in the vertical direction ZZ and aligned with the other of the two second channels 112.

[0150] When the locking element 300 is placed in the locked position, the first groove 312 of the first arm 310 of the locking element 300 is moved to be offset from the end portions of the plurality of first channels 111 in the lateral direction XX, and the first body 311 of the first arm 310 is moved into and engaged with the notches of the first segments 210 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B to hold the first segments 210 in the first channels 111. For example, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 6B and Fig. As shown in Fig. 6D, when the locking member 300 is placed in the locked position, the first groove 312 of one of the two first arms 310 is moved to be offset from the first end portions 111a of the two first channels 111 in the lateral direction XX, and the first groove 312 of the other of the two first arms 310 is moved to be offset from the second end portions 111b of the two first channels 111 in the lateral direction XX. The first body 311 of one of the two first arms 310 is moved into the first notch 213 of the first segment 210 of the first flexible cable 200A and the first notch 213 of the first segment 210 of the second flexible cable 200B and engages with the two first notches 213. For example, a lower segment of the first body 311 is received in the first notch 213 of the second flexible cable 200B and an upper segment of the first body 311 is received in the first notch 213 of the first flexible cable 200A.The first body 311 of the other of the two first arms 310 is moved into the second notch 214 of the first segment 210 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second notch 214 of the first segment 210 of the second flexible cable 200B, and engages the two second notches 214. The lower segment of the first body 311 is received in the second notch 214 of the second flexible cable 200B, and the upper segment of the first body 311 is received in the second notch 214 of the first flexible cable 200A. In this way, the first segment 210 of the first flexible cable 200A and the first segment 210 of the second flexible cable 200B are reliably held in the corresponding first channels 111, so that the connecting ends 202 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B are held in the insulating housing 100.

[0151] As in Fig. 5A to Fig. 5C, the locking element 300 may include a plate body 330, which may be referred to as "a pressure plate." Each of the two first arms 310 extends from the plate body in the vertical ZZ direction. The locking element 300 may further include two second arms 320. The two second arms 320 may be configured to secure the locking element 300 to the base portion 110 of the insulating housing 100. Each of the second arms 320 extends from the plate body 330 in the vertical ZZ direction and includes a bulge 321. The second arm 320 may be a flexible arm. The bulge 321 may be in the shape of a barb. The bulges 321 of the two second arms 320 are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction YY.

[0152] As in the Fig. 4B, Fig. 6C and Fig. 6D, the base portion 110 may include two first slots 113 and two second slots 114. The bulge 321 of each of the two second arms 320 is configured to be selectively snapped into a corresponding first slot 113 and a corresponding second slot 114 when the locking member 300 is mounted to the base portion 110. As shown in the Fig. 6A and Fig. 6C, the locking element 300 is placed in the pre-locked position when the bulge 321 of each of the two second arms 320 is snapped into the corresponding first slot 113. As shown in the Fig. 6B and Fig. As shown in Figure 6D, the locking element 300 is placed in the locked position when the bulge 321 of each of the two second arms 320 is snapped into the corresponding second slot 114. With such a snap connection, the locking element 300 can be reliably held in the pre-locked position and the locked position, while switching the locking element 300 between the pre-locked position and the locked position can be facilitated.

[0153] For example, when the locking member 300 is placed in the pre-locked position, the locking member 300 can be pushed to cause the two second arms 320 to move from the corresponding first slots 113 to the corresponding second slots 114 by pushing the plate body 330 in the vertical direction ZZ to move the locking member 300 to the locked position. When the locking member 300 is placed in the locked position, the two second arms 320 can be released from the corresponding second slots 114, and the two second arms 320 can be snapped into the corresponding first slots 113 to place the locking member 300 in the pre-locked position. Furthermore, the locking member 300 can be removed from the base portion 110 by releasing the two second arms 320 from the corresponding first slots 113 or the corresponding second slots 114.

[0154] In some embodiments, as in Fig. 5C, the two first arms 310 of the locking member 300 may each extend from the first surface 331 of the plate body 330 in the vertical direction ZZ, and the two first arms 310 may be aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction YY along a first center line L1. The two second arms 320 may each extend from the first surface in the vertical direction ZZ, and the two second arms 320 may be aligned with each other in the longitudinal direction YY along a second center line L2. In some embodiments, the first center line L1 and the second center line L2 do not overlap each other. Such a configuration may provide a foolproof function to prevent the locking member 300 from being mounted to the base portion 110 in an improper orientation.

[0155] As in Fig. 5A to Fig. As shown in Figure 5C, the plate body 330 of the locking element 300 includes a first end 330a and a second end 330b opposite each other in the longitudinal direction YY. Two second arms 320 extend from the first surface 331 of the plate body 330 in the vertical direction ZZ at the first end 330a and the second end 330b, respectively. The two first arms 310 may extend from the first surface 331 of the plate body 330 in the vertical direction ZZ between the two second arms 320.

[0156] As in Fig. 4B, Fig. 6A and Fig. As shown in Fig. 6B, the base portion 110 includes a first end surface 110c and a second end surface 110d opposite each other in the longitudinal direction YY, a second groove 115 recessed into the base portion 110 from the first end surface 110c in the longitudinal direction YY, and a third groove 116 recessed into the base portion 110 from the second end surface 110d in the longitudinal direction YY. The above-mentioned first slot 113 and the second slot 114 are formed at the bottom of the second groove 115 and the bottom of the third groove 116, respectively. The two second arms 320 of the locking member 300 are received in the second groove 115 and the third groove 116, respectively, when the locking member 300 is mounted to the base portion 110. In this way, the two second arms 320 of the locking element 300 can be protected by the base portion 110 from detaching from the base portion 110 due to accidental contact.With such a configuration, the reliability of installation of the locking member 300 to the base portion 110 can be improved, and the installation, adjustment, and removal of the locking member 300 can be facilitated.

[0157] As in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, the insulating housing 100 may include a receiving portion 150. The receiving portion 150 extends from the base portion 110 in the lateral direction XX and encloses a receiving space 140. The receiving space 140 is open at one end opposite the base portion 110. The second segments 220 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B are positioned in the receiving space 140. With such a configuration, the conductive contacts 203 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B can be protected by the receiving portion 150 from being touched by a user's finger or a tool, thereby preventing the user from receiving an electric shock or avoiding a short circuit. Such a configuration can improve the safety and reliability of the electronic system 1 using the electrical connector 10.

[0158] For example, the leading edges of the second segments 220 of the connecting ends 202 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B may each be indented into the receiving portion 150 by a certain distance relative to the opening of the receiving portion 150 in the lateral direction XX. For example, the distance may be greater than or equal to 1 mm.

[0159] The receiving portion 150 of the insulating housing 100 may be formed by a plurality of walls extending from the base portion 110 in the lateral direction XX. The plurality of walls may include a first wall 151 and a second wall 152 that are opposite each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction ZZ, and a third wall 153 and a fourth wall 154 that are opposite each other and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction YY. The first wall 151 and the second wall 152 may be referred to as top and bottom walls, respectively. The third wall 153 and the fourth wall 154 may be referred to as side walls. The first wall 151, the second wall 152, the third wall 153 and the fourth wall 154 enclose the receiving space 140. Furthermore, the receiving portion 150 can be used as a connecting portion of the insulating housing 100 for insertion into a housing of another electrical connector (e.g.the electrical connector 20 to be described below) which is connected to the electrical connector 10.

[0160] The second segment 220 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second segment 220 of the second flexible cable 200B are adjacent to each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction ZZ. The plurality of conductive contacts 203 of the first flexible cable 200A (arranged on the second segment 220) and the plurality of conductive contacts 203 of the second flexible cable 200B (arranged on the second segment 220) are opposite each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction ZZ. For example, the second segment 220 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second segment 220 of the second flexible cable 200B may define a slot therebetween, which may be elongated in the longitudinal direction YY.The plurality of conductive contacts 203 of the first flexible cable 200A and the plurality of conductive contacts 203 of the second flexible cable 200B are arranged on opposite sides of the slot in the vertical direction ZZ. As described in detail below, a connecting portion, such as the tab portion of the electrical connector 20, can be inserted between the second segment 220 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second segment 220 of the second flexible cable 200B, e.g., inserted into the slot.

[0161] The second segment 220 of each of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B includes a side edge. For example, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 4B, Fig. 4E and Fig. 7A, the second segment 220 of the first flexible cable 200A has a first side edge 221 and a second side edge 222 opposite each other in the longitudinal direction YY. As shown in Fig. 7B, similar to the first flexible cable 200A, the second segment 220 of the second flexible cable 200B includes a third side edge 223 and a fourth side edge 224 opposite each other in the longitudinal direction YY.

[0162] In some embodiments, the second segment 220 of each of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B may include a notch recessed into the second segment 220 from a side edge thereof in the longitudinal direction YY. The insulating housing 100 may further include a plurality of supports extending from the base portion 110 into the receiving space 140 in the lateral direction XX, and each support may include a bulge. When the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B are arranged in position in the insulating housing 100, the bulge of each of the plurality of supports engages a notch of the second segment 220 of a corresponding one of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B to retain the second segment 220 in the receiving portion 150.

[0163] For example, as in the Fig. 4B, Fig. 4E and Fig. 7A, the second segment 220 of the first flexible cable 200A includes a first notch 225 cut into the second segment 220 from the first side edge 221 in the longitudinal direction YY, and a second notch 226 cut into the second segment 220 from the second side edge 222 in the longitudinal direction YY. As shown in the Fig. 7B and Fig. 8A to Fig. 8B, the second segment 220 of the second flexible cable 200B may include a third notch 227 recessed into the second segment 220 from the third side edge 223 in the longitudinal direction YY, and a fourth notch 228 recessed into the second segment 220 from the fourth side edge 224 in the longitudinal direction YY.

[0164] As in the Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B, the insulating housing 100 may include a plurality of supports 160 extending into the receiving space 140 from the base portion 110 in the lateral direction XX. Fig. 8A illustrates the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B inserted into the insulating housing 100 but not locked by the supports 160 of the insulating housing 100. Fig. 8B illustrates the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B arranged in position within the insulating housing 100 and locked by the supports 160.

[0165] For example, each support 160 includes a bulge 161. The support 160 may be a flexible arm. The bulge 161 may be in the shape of a barb. The plurality of supports 160 may include a first group, which in this embodiment includes two supports 160, wherein in Fig. 8A only one of the two carriers 160 is shown. As in Fig. 8A, the first group of supports 160 extends from the base portion 110 in the lateral direction XX and between the second segment 220 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second segment 220 of the second flexible cable 200B. Each support 160 of the first group is configured to engage a corresponding one of the first notch 225 and the second notch 226 of the second segment 220 of the first flexible cable 200A. As shown in Fig. 7A and Fig. 8B, when the first flexible cable 200A is arranged in position in the insulating housing 100, the bulges 161 of the two supports 160 engage the first notch 225 and the second notch 226 of the second segment 220 of the first flexible cable 200A, respectively, to hold the second segment 220 of the first flexible cable 200A in the receiving space 140.

[0166] The plurality of carriers 160 may further include a second group, which in this embodiment includes two carriers 160, wherein in Fig. 8A only one of the two carriers 160 is shown. Similar to the first group, as shown in Fig. 8A, the second group of supports 160 also extends from the base portion 110 in the lateral direction XX and between the second segment 220 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second segment 220 of the second flexible cable 200B. Each support 160 of the second group is configured to engage with a corresponding one of the third notch 227 and the fourth notch 228 of the second segment 220 of the second flexible cable 200B. As shown in Fig. 7B and Fig. 8B, when the second flexible cable 200B is arranged in position in the insulating housing 100, the bulges 161 of the two supports 160 engage the third notch 227 and the fourth notch 228 of the second segment 220 of the second flexible cable 200B, respectively, to hold the second segment 220 of the second flexible cable 200B in the receiving space 140.

[0167] With such a configuration, the connecting ends 202 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B can be pre-locked in the insulating housing 100 before locking the connecting ends 202 with the locking element 300, thereby facilitating the operation of the locking element 300 to lock the connecting ends 202. Furthermore, such a configuration reliably holds the second segments 220 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B in the insulating housing 100. For example, when the electrical connector 10 is mated with the electrical connector 20, such a configuration can prevent the second segments 220 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B from shifting or buckling, thereby increasing the reliability of the electrical connector 10.

[0168] As in Fig. 8A and Fig. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, each of the plurality of supports 160 may include a third body 160a. The bulge 161 protrudes from the third body 160a in the vertical direction ZZ. The second wall 152 and the third bodies 160a of the supports 160 of the second group of supports 160 clamp the side edges of the second segment 220 of the second flexible cable 200B therebetween. With such a configuration, it is possible to guide the insertion of the second segments 220 of the second flexible cable 200B into the receiving portion 150. Furthermore, the second segment 220 of the second flexible cable 200B can be reliably held in the receiving space 140. It is understood that the first wall 151 and the third bodies 160a of the supports 160 of the first group can clamp the side edges of the second segment 220 of the first flexible cable 200A therebetween.With such a configuration, it is possible to guide the insertion of the second segment 220 of the first flexible cable 200A into the receiving portion 150. Furthermore, the second segment 220 of the first flexible cable 200A can be reliably held in the receiving portion 150.

[0169] In some embodiments, as in Fig. 7A, the profile of the first side edge 221 and the profile of the second side edge 222 of the first flexible cable 200A are asymmetrical about the centerline L3 of the second segment 220. Such a configuration can provide a foolproof function to prevent the first flexible cable 200A from being inserted into the receiving space 140 in an improper orientation (in which the plurality of conductive contacts 203 of the first flexible cable 200A faces the first wall 151).

[0170] In some embodiments, as in Fig. 7B, the profile of the third side edge 223 and the profile of the fourth side edge 224 of the second flexible cable 200B are asymmetrical about the centerline L4 of the second segment 220. Such a configuration can provide a foolproof function to prevent the second flexible cable 200B from being inserted into the receiving space 140 in an improper orientation (in which the plurality of conductive contacts 203 of the second flexible cable 200B faces the second wall 152).

[0171] In some embodiments, as in Fig. 3A, the first segment 210 of the first flexible cable 200A and the first segment 210 of the second flexible cable 200B are parallel to each other and can define a center plane PL1 therebetween. As shown in Fig. 7A, the first side edge 211 and the second side edge 212 of the first segment 210 of the first flexible cable 200A may define a first outer profile of the first flexible cable 200A. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7B, the first side edge 211 and the second side edge 212 of the first segment 210 of the second flexible cable 200B may define a second outer profile of the second flexible cable 200B. The first outer profile of the first flexible cable 200A and the second outer profile of the second flexible cable 200B are asymmetric about the center plane PL1. Such a configuration may provide a foolproof function to prevent the first flexible cable 200A and the second flexible cable 200B from being inserted into the wrong first channels 111.

[0172] As in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, the first wall 151 and the third wall 153 of the insulating housing 100 are joined together at a first corner, the first wall 151 and the fourth wall 154 are joined together at a second corner, the second wall 152 and the third wall 153 are joined together at a third corner, and the second wall 152 and the fourth wall 154 are joined together at a fourth corner.

[0173] In some embodiments, the receiving portion 150 of the insulating housing 100 may include a first rib 171 protruding outward from the first wall 151 at the first corner in the vertical direction ZZ, and a second rib 172 protruding outward from the first wall 151 at the second corner in the vertical direction ZZ. The first rib 171 and the second rib 172 each extend in the lateral direction XX. As described in detail below, the first rib 171 and the second rib 172 are configured to cooperate with corresponding grooves of the housing of the electrical connector 20 when the receiving portion 150 of the insulating housing 100 is inserted into the housing of the electrical connector 20 to guide the insertion of the insertion portion.Such a configuration may prevent the electrical connector 10 from being inserted into the housing of the electrical connector 20 in an oblique orientation, thereby providing protection for the mating conductive structures of the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 and improving the hot-plugging capability of the electrical connector 10. Alternatively or additionally, the insulating housing 100 may include ribs at the third corner and the fourth corner.

[0174] In some embodiments, as in the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4D, the third wall 153 of the insulating housing 100 may extend beyond the first wall 151 and the second wall 152 in the lateral direction XX to form a first protrusion 173, and the fourth wall 154 may extend beyond the first wall 151 and the second wall 152 in the lateral direction XX to form a second protrusion 174. As described in detail below, the first protrusion 173 and the second protrusion 174 are configured to mate with corresponding recesses of the housing of the electrical connector 20 when the receiving portion 150 of the insulating housing 100 is inserted into the housing of the electrical connector 20. Such a configuration may increase the size of the receiving portion 150 in the mating direction without increasing the overall width of the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20.When the receiving portion 150 of the electrical connector 10 is inserted into the housing of the electrical connector 20, such a configuration can guide the receiving portion 150 in the correct orientation and reduce the amount of wobble thereof, thereby increasing the hot-plugging capability of the electrical connector 10. Furthermore, when the receiving portion 150 of the electrical connector 10 is inserted into the housing of the electrical connector 20 in an oblique orientation, such a configuration can prevent the conductive portions of the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 from contacting each other to protect the circuitry from damage. This can improve the hot-plugging capability and reliability of the electrical connector 10.

[0175] Fig. 4F is a perspective view similar to Fig. 4A, which illustrates another embodiment of the electrical connector 10. For example, the Fig. 4F shown electrical connector 10 of the in Fig. 4A only in that the receiving portion 150 of the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10 shown in Fig. 4F includes a reinforcing rib 175. The reinforcing rib 175 is provided at the center of the front end of the receiving portion 150 and extends between the first wall 151 and the second wall 152. Such a configuration can increase the strength of the receiving portion 150 and can protect the receiving portion 150 from deformation. The reinforcing rib 175 can be formed integrally with the receiving portion 150.

[0176] In some embodiments, as in the Fig. 4A, Fig. 4F, Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B, the electrical connector 10 may include a connector position assurance (CPA) device configured to lock the electrical connector 10 to a mating electrical connector (e.g., electrical connector 20) when the electrical connector 10 is mated to the mating electrical connector.

[0177] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 15A, the receiving portion 150 may include a groove 178 that is recessed into the first wall 151 from the outer surface 151a of the first wall 151 in the vertical direction ZZ and extends in the lateral direction XX. The groove 178 may extend in the lateral direction XX to the base portion 110. The groove 178 may include a bottom wall 178c and a first side wall 178a and a second side wall 178b that oppose each other in the longitudinal direction YY. The groove 178 may further include a first projection 179a protruding from the first side wall 178a of the groove 178 in the longitudinal direction YY, a second projection 179b protruding from the second side wall 178b of the groove 178 in the longitudinal direction YY, and a third projection 179c protruding from the bottom wall 178c of the groove 178 in the vertical direction ZZ.

[0178] With further reference to Fig. 15A, the CPA device may include an overhanging component 180. The overhanging component 180 may be an integral portion of the receiving portion 150. The overhanging component 180 may include a first elastic support 181 and a second elastic support 182. The first elastic support 181 and the second elastic support 182 each extend from the bottom wall 178c to the base portion 110 in the lateral direction XX. The first elastic support 181 and the second elastic support 182 may be cantilevers. The first elastic support 181 includes a first end 181a and a second end 181b that are opposite each other in the lateral direction XX. The first end 181a is configured to be fixed and connected to the bottom wall 178c. The second end 181b is configured to be unfixed and spaced from the bottom wall 178c in the vertical direction ZZ.The second elastic support 182 includes a first end 182a and a second end 182b that are opposite each other in the lateral direction XX. The first end 182a is configured to be fixed and connected to the bottom wall 178c. The second end 182b is configured to be unfixed and spaced from the bottom wall 178c in the vertical direction ZZ. The first elastic support 181 and the second elastic support 182 are spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction YY and can define a receiving space therebetween. The first elastic support 181 and the second elastic support 182 can be parallel to each other.

[0179] The overhanging component 180 may further include a third support 183 and a fourth support 184. The third support 183 extends from the second end 181b of the first elastic support 181 to the second end 182b of the second elastic support 182 in the longitudinal direction YY. For example, the third support 183 connects the second end 181b of the first elastic support 181 to the second end 182b of the second elastic support 182. The fourth support 184 may also extend in the longitudinal direction YY and include a first end and a second end (not labeled) that are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction YY.The first end of the fourth carrier 184 is connected to the first elastic carrier 181 between the first end 181a and the second end 181b of the first elastic carrier 181, and the first end of the fourth carrier 184 is connected to the second elastic carrier 182 between the first end 182a and the second end 182b of the second elastic carrier 182. The third carrier 183 and the fourth carrier 184 may be parallel to each other. As described in detail below, the fourth carrier 184 is configured to engage a mating bulge of a mating electrical connector (e.g., the electrical connector 20) when the electrical connector 10 is mated to the mating electrical connector, thereby locking the electrical connector 10 to the mating electrical connector.

[0180] In some embodiments, as in the Fig. 4A, Fig. 4B, Fig. 4F and Fig. 15B, the CPA device may further include the locking element 400. The locking element 400 may be configured to lock the fourth carrier 184 in a position where the fourth carrier 184 engages a mating bulge of the mating electrical connector (e.g., the electrical connector 20) when the electrical connector 10 is mated to the mating electrical connector, thereby ensuring that the electrical connector 10 is reliably locked to the mating electrical connector. The locking element 400 may be referred to as "a second locking element." The locking element 400 may be formed from an insulating material.Examples of insulating materials suitable for forming the latching element 400 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).

[0181] The locking element 400 may be configured to be disposed in the groove 178 and to be capable of being moved in the groove 178 between a first position ( Fig. 4F) and a second position ( Fig. 4A) relative to the overhanging component 180 in the lateral direction XX. As in Fig. 15B, the locking member 400 may include a base body 401 and a first elastic arm 410 and a second elastic arm 420, each extending from the base body 401 in the lateral direction XX. The base body 401 may be shaped to facilitate engagement by a user's hand to move the locking member 400 in the groove 178. The first elastic arm 410 and the second elastic arm 420 are opposite each other and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction YY. The first elastic arm 410 and the second elastic arm 420 may be configured to engage the first sidewall 178a and the second sidewall 178b of the groove 178, respectively, to retain the locking member 400 in the groove 178.The first elastic arm 410 may include a first protrusion 411 protruding in the vertical direction ZZ and a second protrusion 412 protruding in the lateral direction XX, and the second elastic arm 420 may include a first protrusion 421 protruding in the vertical direction ZZ and a second protrusion 422 protruding in the lateral direction XX. The second protrusions 412 and 422 may each have the shape of a barb. The locking member 400 may further include a third elastic arm 430. The third elastic arm 430 extends from the base body 401 obliquely in the lateral direction XX and has a protrusion 431 at one end opposite the base body 401. The third elastic arm 430 may also be formed with a sliding groove 432 extending in the lateral direction XX and having a first end 432a (. Fig. 15B) and a second end 432b ( Fig. 4A) that are opposite each other in the lateral direction XX. The third elastic arm 430 can be located between the first elastic arm 410 and the second elastic arm 420 in the longitudinal direction YY.

[0182] As in Fig. 4A, Fig. 4F, Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B, when the locking element 400 is disposed in the groove 178, the first elastic arm 410 and the second elastic arm 420 may engage the first side wall 178a and the second side wall 178b of the groove 178, respectively, to hold the locking element 400 in the groove 178. The third elastic arm 430 of the locking element 400 may extend obliquely from the base body 401 in the lateral direction XX into the receiving space defined by the first elastic support 181 and the second elastic support 182 of the overhanging component 180 to enable the projection 431 to be positioned in the receiving space.The second projection 412 of the first elastic arm 410 and the second projection 422 of the second elastic arm 420 of the locking element 400 can cooperate with the first projection 179a and the second projection 179b of the groove 178, respectively, and the sliding groove 432 of the third elastic arm 430 of the locking element 400 can cooperate with the third projection 179c of the groove 178 to limit the range of movement of the locking element 400 in the groove 178 in the lateral direction XX.

[0183] As in Fig. 4A, Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B, when the locking element 400 is placed in the second position, the second projection 412 of the first elastic arm 410 and the second projection 422 of the second elastic arm 420 of the locking element 400 may respectively engage the first projection 179a and the second projection 179b of the groove 178 (alternatively or additionally, the first end 432a of the sliding groove 432 of the third elastic arm 430 may respectively engage the third projection 179c) to limit the movement of the locking element 400 away from the overhanging component 180 in the lateral direction XX.Furthermore, the first projection 411 of the first elastic arm 410 and the first projection 421 of the second elastic arm 420 are not engaged with the first elastic support 181 and the second elastic support 182 below the first elastic support 181 and the second elastic support 182, and the projection 431 of the third elastic arm 430 is positioned between the fourth support 184 and the third support 183, thereby unlocking the overhanging component 180 to allow the third support 183 and the fourth support 184 of the overhanging component 180 to move toward the bottom wall 178c when biased toward the bottom wall 178c. In this case, biasing the third beam 183 toward the bottom wall 178c may move the third beam 183 and the fourth beam 184 toward the bottom wall 178c.This may cause the fourth carrier 184 to detach from the bulge of the mating connector when the electrical connector 10 is mated to the mating connector.

[0184] As in Fig. 4F, Fig. 15A and Fig. As shown in Figure 15B, the second protrusion 412 of the first elastic arm 410 and the second protrusion 422 of the second elastic arm 420 of the locking member 400 can be disengaged from the first protrusion 179a and the second protrusion 179b of the groove 178, respectively, when the locking member 400 is placed in the first position. The second end 432b of the sliding groove 432 of the third elastic arm 430 can engage the third protrusion 179c to limit the movement of the locking member 400 toward the overhanging component 180 in the lateral direction XX.Furthermore, the first projection 411 of the first elastic arm 410 and the first projection 421 of the second elastic arm 420 of the locking member 400 can engage with the first elastic support 181 and the second elastic support 182, respectively, among the first elastic support 181 and the second elastic support 182, and the projection 431 of the third elastic arm 430 is positioned to engage with the fourth support 184 on a side of the fourth support 184 opposite to the third support 183, thereby locking the overhanging component 180 to prevent the third support 183 and the fourth support 184 from moving toward the bottom wall 178c when biased toward the bottom wall 178c. In this case, biasing the third beam 183 toward the bottom wall 178c may not cause the third beam 183 and the fourth beam 184 to move toward the bottom wall 178c.This ensures that the fourth carrier 184 is in reliable engagement with the bulge of the mating connector when the electrical connector 10 is mated with the mating connector.

[0185] With such a configuration, the locking element 400 can be selectively moved to a pre-locked position (which is shown in Fig. 4A) and a locked position (shown in Fig. 4F). In the pre-locked position, the locking element 400 is reliably held to the insulating housing 100 and unlocks the overhanging component 180 to allow the third beam 183 and the fourth beam 184 of the overhanging component 180 to move toward the bottom wall 178c when biased toward the bottom wall 178c. In the locked position, the locking element 400 is also reliably held to the insulating housing 100 and locks the overhanging component 180 to prevent the third beam 183 and the fourth beam 184 from moving toward the bottom wall 178c when biased toward the bottom wall 178c. Such a configuration may enable the electrical connector 10 to meet the requirements of a specification, such as USCAR.Since the locking element 400 can be pre-locked in position, loss of the locking element 400 can be avoided when the electrical connector 10 is assembled with the mating connector, and the assembly efficiency of the electronic system 1 can be improved.

[0186] A method of operating the overhanging component 180 and the locking member 400 to lock the electrical connector 10 to the electrical connector 20 and to unlock the electrical connector 10 from the electrical connector 20 is described below in connection with an example of combining the electrical connector 10 with the electrical connector 20 into a connector assembly.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first end 181a of the first elastic support 181 and the first end 182a of the second elastic support 182 of the overhanging component 180 may be reinforced, for example, by including additional portions such as the portion shown in Fig. 4A, thereby increasing the reliability of the overhanging component 180.

[0188] Although the electrical connector 10 is described above as having two flexible cables, it should be understood that the present application is not so limited. In some embodiments, the electrical connector 10 may include more (e.g., three, four, five) flexible cables. The structure of the insulating housing 100 may be adapted accordingly to accommodate more flexible cables. For example, the insulating housing 100 may have more first channels 111.

[0189] Although the locking element 300 is described above as being configured to selectively engage the side edges of the flexible cable to achieve pre-locking and locking functions, it should be understood that the present application is not so limited. The locking element 300 may be any suitable type of locking element adapted to retain the connecting ends of the flexible cables within the insulating housing.

[0190] Although the locking element 300 is described above as having two first arms 310, it should be understood that the present application is not so limited. In some embodiments, the locking element 300 may have only a single first arm 310 or may have more than two first arms 310. The number of second channels of the insulating housing 100 and the number of notches of the flexible cables may be adjusted accordingly. For example, the flexible cable may have a plurality of notches on each side edge or only one or more notches on a single side edge.

[0191] Although the locking element 300 is described above as having two second arms 320, it should be understood that the present application is not so limited. In some embodiments, the locking element 300 may have only a single second arm 320. For example, the locking element 300 has a single first arm 310 and a single second arm 320 to achieve the pre-locking and locking functions described above. In some embodiments, the locking element 300 may have more than two second arms 320. The number of slots of the insulating housing 100 may be adjusted accordingly. socket connectors

[0192] Fig. 9A to Fig. 14 illustrate the socket connector, where Fig. 9A to Fig. 11 illustrate a first embodiment of the socket connector, labeled as the electrical connector 20, and Fig. 12A to Fig. 14 illustrate a second embodiment of the socket connector, labeled as the electrical connector 20'.

[0193] As in Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, the electrical connector 20 may include an insulating housing 500, a plurality of conductive elements 600, and a hold-down tab 700.

[0194] The plurality of conductive elements 600 are disposed within the insulating housing 500. The insulating housing 500 provides support and protection for the plurality of conductive elements 600. The insulating housing 500 may be formed from an insulating material. Examples of insulating materials suitable for forming the insulating housing 500 include, but are not limited to, plastic, nylon, liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), high-temperature nylon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO), or polypropylene (PP).

[0195] The electrical connector 20 may be configured to be disposed on the surface 31 of the circuit board 30 and electrically connected to the conductive structures (e.g., the conductive pads 32 in Fig. 1C) of the circuit board 30. The insulating housing 500 may be configured to be placed on the surface 31 of the circuit board 30. The insulating housing 500 may include slots 530 for receiving hold-down tabs 700. As shown in Fig. 1A and Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, the hold-down tabs 700 can be inserted into the corresponding slots 530 and secure the insulating housing 500 to the circuit board 30. The hold-down tab 700 can be formed from a metallic material.

[0196] As in the Fig. 9A to Fig. 9E and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the insulating housing 500 may include a base portion 510 and a tab portion 520 extending from the base portion 510 in the lateral direction XX. The tab portion 520 extends from a first surface (front surface) 511 of the base portion 510 in the lateral direction XX. The tab portion 520 may include a first surface 521 and a second surface 522 opposite each other in the vertical direction ZZ perpendicular to the lateral direction XX. The base portion 510 may include a top surface 515 and a bottom surface 516 opposite each other in the vertical direction ZZ.When the electrical connector 20 is mounted on the circuit board 30, the lower surface 516 of the base portion 510 faces the surface 31 of the circuit board, and the second surface 522 of the tab portion 520 is closer to the surface 31 of the circuit board 30 and the lower surface 516 of the base portion 510 in the vertical direction ZZ than the first surface 521.

[0197] The conductive element 600 may be formed from a conductive material. The conductive material suitable for forming the conductive element 600 may be a metallic material, such as a copper alloy. The conductive element may be referred to as "a terminal," "a conductor," or "a conductive element."

[0198] Each conductive element 600 includes a connecting end having a connecting contact portion, a terminating end opposite the connecting end, and an intermediate portion connecting the connecting end and the terminating end. For example, as shown in Fig. 9B, the plurality of conductive elements 600 may include a plurality of first conductive elements 610 and a plurality of second conductive elements 620. The plurality of first conductive elements 610 are arranged in a first row R1 in the longitudinal direction YY perpendicular to the lateral direction XX and the vertical direction ZZ. In the first row R1, the plurality of first conductive elements 610 are aligned and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction YY. The plurality of second conductive elements 620 are arranged in a second row R2 in the longitudinal direction YY. In the second row R2, the plurality of second conductive elements 620 are aligned and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction YY. The first row R1 and the second row R2 may be spaced apart in the vertical direction ZZ.The first row R1 may be arranged above the second row R2 in the vertical direction ZZ (relative to the surface 31 of the circuit board 30). The first row R1 may be referred to as "an upper row," and the first conductive element 610 may be referred to as "an upper conductive element." The second row R2 may be referred to as "a lower row," and the second conductive element 620 may be referred to as "a lower conductive element."

[0199] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B illustrate configurations of the first conductive element 610 and the second conductive element 620, respectively. As in Fig. 10A, the first conductive member 610 includes a connecting end 611 having a connecting contact portion 611a, a terminal end 612 opposite the connecting end, and an intermediate portion 613 connecting the connecting end 611 and the terminal end 612. As shown in Fig. 10B (or Fig. 13B), the second conductive member 620 includes a connecting end 621 having a connection contact portion 621a, a terminal end 622 opposite to the connecting end 621, and an intermediate portion 623 connecting the connecting end 621 and the terminal end 622.

[0200] As in the Fig. 3A to Fig. 3B, Fig. 9A, Fig. 9C and Fig. 9D, the insulating housing 500 may include a plurality of first channels 505 and a plurality of second channels 506 extending from the base portion 510 into the tab portion 520 in the lateral direction XX. Each first channel 505 may extend from a first side of the base portion 510 opposite the tab portion 520 in the lateral direction XX into the tab portion 520 and is open at the first surface 521 of the tab portion 520. Each second channel 506 may extend from the first side of the base portion 510 into the tab portion 520 in the lateral direction XX and is open at the second surface 522 of the tab portion 520.The intermediate portion 613 and the connecting end 611 of each of the plurality of first conductive elements 610 are inserted from the first side of the base portion 510 into the corresponding first channel 505, the intermediate portion 613 is disposed in the base portion 510, and the connecting end 611 extends into the tab portion 520, with the connecting contact portion 611a protruding from the first surface 521. Similarly, the intermediate portion 623 and the connecting end 621 of each of the plurality of second conductive elements 620 are inserted from the first side of the base portion 510 into the corresponding second channel 506, the intermediate portion 623 is disposed in the base portion 510, and the connecting end 621 extends into the tab portion 520, with the connecting contact portion 621a protruding from the second surface 522.With such a configuration, as described in detail below, when the electrical connector 10 is mated with the electrical connector 20, the connection contact portions 611a of the plurality of first conductive members 610 can make separable electrical contact with the plurality of conductive contacts 203 of the first flexible cable 200A of the electrical connector 10, and the connection contact portions 621a of the plurality of second conductive members 620 can make separable electrical contact with the plurality of second conductive contacts 203 of the second flexible cable 200B of the electrical connector 10.

[0201] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in FIG. 9A, the connecting ends 611 of the plurality of first conductive elements 610 and the connecting ends 621 of the plurality of second conductive elements 620 may be offset from each other in the vertical direction ZZ. Such an arrangement may allow the first row R1 and the second row R2 to be arranged at a smaller distance in the vertical direction ZZ while still ensuring a sufficient distance between the connecting ends 611 of the first conductive elements 610 and the connecting ends 621 of the second conductive elements 620. Such an arrangement may reduce the size (e.g., height) of the electrical connector 20 in the vertical direction ZZ. This facilitates miniaturization of the electrical connector 20 and may reduce a footprint of the electrical connector 20 on the circuit board 30.

[0202] In some embodiments, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 10A, for each first conductive element 610, the connection end 611 may include a first support 631 and a second support 632, and the first support 631 and the second support 632 extend from the intermediate portion 613 in the lateral direction XX in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction YY. For example, the first support 631 and the second support 632 may be coplanar with each other. The first support 631 and the second support 632 are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction ZZ. The first support 631 has a first contact portion 641, and the second support 632 has a second contact portion 642. The first carrier 631 is longer in the lateral direction XX than the second carrier 632 to allow the first contact portion 641 of the first carrier 631 and the second contact portion 642 of the second carrier 632 to be aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction XX.The first contact portion 641 of the first carrier 631 is further away from the intermediate portion 613 of the first conductive element 610 in the lateral direction XX than the second contact portion 642 of the second carrier 632. As shown in . Fig. As shown in Figure 9D, when the first conductive element 610 is disposed in the insulating housing 500, the first contact portion 641 of the first support 631 and the second contact portion 642 of the second support 632 protrude from the first surface 521 and are aligned with each other and spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction XX, and the first contact portion 641 of the first support 631 is closer to a front end 520a of the tab portion 520 opposite the base portion 510 than the second contact portion 642 of the second support 632. The first support 631 and the second support 632 may be elastic supports. The first contact portion 641 of the first support 631 and the second contact portion 642 of the second support 632 together form the connection contact portion 611a of the connection end 611 of the first conductive element 610.

[0203] Such a dual-beam and contact configuration of the first conductive element 610 can improve the electrical connection reliability of the electrical connector 20 and effectively prevent temporary breakage. Furthermore, such a configuration of the first conductive element 610 can improve the current-carrying capacity of the first conductive element 610, thereby enabling the electrical connector 20 to meet the requirement of transmitting large currents. In addition, such a configuration of the first conductive element 610 can improve the contact density of the electrical connector 20, thereby facilitating the miniaturization of the electrical connector 20.

[0204] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10A, the first beam 631 of each first conductive element 610 includes a first end 631a and a second end 631b that are opposite to each other, and a first straight segment 631c connecting the first end 631a and the second end 631b. The first end 631a is connected to the intermediate portion 613, and the second end 631b is configured to be unfixed. For example, the first beam 631 is a cantilever beam. The first straight segment 631c extends obliquely from the first end 631a relative to the lateral direction XX toward the second beam 632 to the second end 631b. The first contact portion 641 of the first beam 631 is located at the second end 631b and protrudes from the first straight segment 631c in the vertical direction ZZ.

[0205] With further reference to Fig. 10A, the second support 632 of each first conductive element 610 includes a third end 632a and a fourth end 632b that are opposite to each other, a curved segment 632c extending from the third end 632a, and a second straight segment 632d connecting the curved segment 632c and the fourth end 632b. The third end 632a is connected to the intermediate portion 613, and the fourth end 632b is configured to be unfixed. For example, the second support 632 is a cantilever beam. The curved segment 632c of the second support 632 is curved from the third end 632a toward the first support 631, such that the second straight segment 632d and the fourth end 632b are located between the intermediate portion 613 of the first conductive element 610 and the second end 631b of the first support 631 in the lateral direction XX. The second straight segment 632d extends from the curved segment 632c to the fourth end 632b.The second contact portion 642 is located at the fourth end 632b and protrudes from the second straight segment 632d in the vertical direction ZZ.

[0206] With such a configuration, the first support 631 can prevent the second support 632 from excessively deforming to protect the second support 632 when the second support 632 is biased to deflect toward the first support 631 in the vertical direction ZZ. Furthermore, the shapes of the first support 631 and the second support 632 of the first conductive member 610 can provide a longer force arm in a limited space, thereby improving the consistency of the contact forces provided by the first support 631 and the second support 632.

[0207] As in the Fig. 10A and Fig. 10C, for each first conductive element 610, the first contact portion 641 of the first support 631 has a convex shape and includes a first front surface 641a (which is adjacent to the front end 520a of the tab portion 520 in the lateral direction XX when the first conductive element 610 is disposed in the insulating housing 500) and a first rear surface 641b (which is remote from the front end 520a of the tab portion 520 in the lateral direction XX when the first conductive element 610 is disposed in the insulating housing 500). The first front surface 641a may be formed as an inclined front surface. Such a structure can guide the insertion of the first flexible cable 200A when the electrical connector 10 is mated with the electrical connector 20, thereby preventing the first contact portion 641 and the conductive contact 203 from being damaged due to excessive mating force.Alternatively or additionally, the first rear surface 641b may be formed as an inclined guide surface. Such a structure can guide the withdrawal of the first flexible cable 200A when the electrical connector 10 is detached from the electrical connector 20, thereby preventing the first contact portion 641 and the conductive contact 203 from being damaged due to excessive detachment force.

[0208] Alternatively or additionally, as in Fig. 10A, similar to the first contact portion 641 of the first support 631, the second contact portion 642 of the second support 632 may have a convex shape and include a second front surface 642a (which is adjacent to the front end 520a of the tab portion 520 in the lateral direction XX when the first conductive element 610 is disposed in the insulating housing 500) and a second rear surface 642b (which is remote from the front end 520a of the tab portion 520 in the lateral direction XX when the first conductive element 610 is disposed in the insulating housing 500). The second front surface 642a may be formed as an inclined front surface.Such a structure can guide the insertion of the first flexible cable 200A when the electrical connector 10 is mated with the electrical connector 20, thereby preventing the second contact portion 642 and the conductive contact 203 from being damaged due to excessive mating force. Alternatively or additionally, the second rear surface 642b can be formed as an inclined guide surface. Such a structure can guide the withdrawal of the first flexible cable 200A when the electrical connector 10 is detached from the electrical connector 20, thereby preventing the second contact portion 642 and the conductive contacts 203 from being damaged due to excessive detachment force.

[0209] In some embodiments, as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 10C, the second contact portion 642 of the second beam 632 has a convex shape and includes a first end segment 6421 and a second end segment 6422 that oppose each other in the vertical direction ZZ, and a transition segment 6423 connecting the first end segment 6421 and the second end segment 6422. The first end segment 6421 is connected to the fourth end 632b of the second beam 632 and has a constant first width W1 in the longitudinal direction YY. The second end segment 6422 has a constant second width W2 in the longitudinal direction YY. The second width W2 is smaller than the first width W1. The cross section of the transition segment 6423 perpendicular to the lateral direction XX has an isosceles trapezoidal shape and the transition segment 6423 has a width in the longitudinal direction YY that tapers from the first width W1 to the second width W2.Alternatively or additionally, the shape of the first contact portion 641 of the first carrier 631 may be similar to that of the second contact portion 642 of the second carrier 632. For brevity, details of similar parts may not be repeated. The shape of the first contact portion 641 of the first carrier 631 and the shape of the second contact portion 642 of the second carrier 632 can improve the contact reliability of the first conductive element 610 and can be easily machined to have sufficient strength.

[0210] In some embodiments, as in Fig. 10B, the second conductive element 620 may have a dual support and contact configuration similar to the first conductive element 610. For example, the configuration of the connection end 621 of the second conductive element 620 may be similar to that of the connection end 611 of the first conductive element 610. The connection end 621 of the second conductive element 620 may include a third support 633 and a fourth support 634. The third support 633 and the fourth support 634 extend from the intermediate portion 613 in the lateral direction XX in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction YY and are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction ZZ. The shapes of the third support 633 and the fourth support 634 may be similar to those of the first support 631 and the second support 632, respectively.Furthermore, the arrangements of the third carrier 633 and the fourth carrier 634 may be similar to those of the first carrier 631 and the second carrier 632. For brevity, details of similar parts may not be repeated.

[0211] The dual contact configuration of the first conductive element 610 and the second conductive element 620 can provide more contact points in a limited space, allowing the electrical connector 20 to meet high pin count requirements.

[0212] It should be understood that the configurations of the connecting portions of the first conductive element 610 and the second conductive element 620 may not be limited to the configurations described above. In some embodiments, the connecting ends 621 of the first conductive element 610 and the second conductive element 620 may each include a single carrier and a single contact, or may include multiple carriers and multiple contacts.

[0213] As in the Fig. 9A to Fig. 9E and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the insulating housing 500 further includes a receiving portion 540 extending from the first surface 511 of the base portion 510 in the lateral direction XX and enclosing a receiving space 550. The tab portion 520 is positioned in the receiving space 550. The receiving space 550 is open at one end opposite the base portion 510. With such a configuration, the connecting ends 621 of the first conductive member 610 and the second conductive member 620 can be positioned in the receiving space 550 and protected by the receiving portion 540 from being touched by a user's finger or a tool, thereby preventing the user from receiving an electric shock or avoiding a short circuit. Such a configuration can improve the safety and reliability of the electronic system 1 using the electrical connector 20.

[0214] For example, the front end 520a of the tab portion 520 may be indented into the receiving space 550 by a distance in the lateral direction XX relative to the opening of the receiving portion 540. The distance may, for example, be greater than or equal to 1 mm.

[0215] The receiving portion 540 of the insulating housing 500 may include a first wall 541 and a second wall 542 that are opposite to each other and spaced apart in the vertical direction ZZ, and a third wall 543 and a fourth wall 544 that are opposite to each other and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction YY. The first wall 541 and the second wall 542 may be referred to as top and bottom walls, respectively. The third wall 543 and the fourth wall 544 may be referred to as side walls. The first wall 541, the second wall 542, the third wall 543, and the fourth wall 544 enclose the receiving space 550. The receiving space 550 may be used as a slot of the insulating housing 500 to receive a housing of another electrical connector that mates with the electrical connector 20.For example, the receiving space 550 may receive the receiving portion 150 of the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10.

[0216] As in Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, the first wall 541 and the third wall 543 of the insulating housing 500 are joined together at a first corner, the first wall 541 and the fourth wall 544 are joined together at a second corner, the second wall 542 and the third wall 543 are joined together at a third corner, and the second wall 542 and the fourth wall 544 are joined together at a fourth corner.

[0217] In some embodiments, the receiving portion 540 of the insulating housing 500 may include a first groove 561 recessed into the first wall 541 at the first corner from the receiving space 550 in the vertical direction ZZ, and a second groove 562 recessed into the first wall 541 at the second corner from the receiving space 550 in the vertical direction ZZ. The first groove 561 and the second groove 562 each extend in the lateral direction XX. The first groove 561 and the second groove 562 are configured to respectively receive the first rib 171 and the second rib 172 of the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10.With such a configuration, only the first rib 171 and the second rib 172 of the insulating housing 100 are aligned with the first groove 561 and the second groove 562, respectively, in the lateral direction XX, and the receiving portion 150 of the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10 is inserted into the receiving space 550 of the receiving portion 540 of the insulating housing 500 of the electrical connector 20. Such a configuration can prevent the electrical connector 10 from being inserted into the housing of the electrical connector 20 in an oblique orientation, thereby providing protection for the mating conductive structures of the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 and improving the hot-plugging capability of the electrical connector 20.Furthermore, during insertion of the receiving portion 150 into the receiving space 550 of the receiving portion 540, the first groove 561 and the second groove 562 may serve to guide the insertion. Additionally, the cooperation of the first rib 171 and the second rib 172 with the first groove 561 and the second groove 562 may ensure that the electrical connector 10 is inserted into the electrical connector 20 in a unique orientation. Alternatively or additionally, the insulating housing 500 may include grooves at the third corner and the fourth corner.

[0218] As in Fig. 9A, the tab portion 520 may be spaced from each of the third wall 543 and the fourth wall 544 in the lateral direction XX and may be spaced from each of the first wall 541 and the second wall 542 in the vertical direction ZZ.When the receiving portion 150 of the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10 is inserted into the receiving space 550 of the receiving portion 540 of the insulating housing 500 of the electrical connector 20, the first wall 151 of the insulating housing 100 and the first flexible cable 200A are positioned between the tab portion 520 and the first wall 541, the second wall 152 of the insulating housing 100 and the second flexible cable 200B are positioned between the tab portion 520 and the second wall 542, the third wall 153 of the insulating housing 100 is positioned between the tab portion 520 and the third wall 543, and the fourth wall 154 of the insulating housing 100 is positioned between the tab portion 520 and the fourth wall 544.

[0219] In some embodiments, as in Fig. 9A and Fig. As shown in Figure 9E, the insulating housing 500 may include a first recess 563 and a second recess 564, each recessed from the receiving space 550 at opposite ends of the tab portion 520 in the longitudinal direction YY into the first surface 511 of the base portion 510 in the lateral direction XX. The first recess 563 and the second recess 564 are configured to receive the first protrusion 173 and the second protrusion 174, respectively, of the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10. Such a configuration may increase the size of the receiving portion 150 in the mating direction without increasing the overall width of the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20.When the receiving portion 150 of the electrical connector 10 is inserted into the housing of the electrical connector 20, such a configuration can guide the receiving portion 150 in the correct orientation and reduce the amount of wobble thereof, thereby increasing the hot-plugging capability of the electrical connector 10. Furthermore, when the receiving portion 150 of the electrical connector 10 is inserted into the housing of the electrical connector 20 in an oblique orientation, such a configuration can prevent the conductive portions of the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 from contacting each other to protect the circuitry from damage. This can improve the hot-plugging capability and reliability of the electrical connector 10.

[0220] In some embodiments, as in the Fig. 1C and Fig. 10D, the base portion 510 may include a third surface 513 and a fourth surface 514 on a side opposite the tab portion 520. Both the third surface 513 and the fourth surface 514 are perpendicular to the lateral direction XX and face in the same direction. The fourth surface 514 is farther from the tab portion 520 in the lateral direction XX than the third surface 513. For example, the third surface 513 and the fourth surface 514 are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction XX. The terminal ends 612 of the plurality of first conductive elements 610 extend from the third surface 513 of the base portion 510 in the lateral direction XX, and the terminal ends 622 of the plurality of second conductive elements 620 extend from the fourth surface 514 of the base portion 510 in the lateral direction XX.For example, the terminal ends 612 of the plurality of first conductive elements 610 and the terminal ends 622 of the plurality of second conductive elements 620 protrude from different reference surfaces of the base portion 510 that are spaced apart in the lateral direction XX. In other words, the terminal ends 612 of the plurality of first conductive elements 610 and the terminal ends 622 of the plurality of second conductive elements 620 are inserted into the base portion 510 from different reference surfaces of the base portion 510 that are spaced apart in the lateral direction XX.

[0221] Such a configuration can increase the creepage distances between the terminal ends 612 of the plurality of first conductive elements 610 and the terminal ends 622 of the plurality of second conductive elements 620, thereby enabling the plurality of first conductive elements 610 and the plurality of second conductive elements 620 to be arranged more closely and increasing the dielectric strength of the electrical connector 20. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the electrical connector 20 in the lateral direction XX and / or the longitudinal direction YY. This facilitates the miniaturization of the electrical connector 20 and enables a reduction in the footprint of the electrical connector 20 on the circuit board 30.

[0222] In some embodiments, as in the Fig. 1C and Fig. 10D, the base portion 510 may include a plurality of protrusions 570 protruding from the third surface 513 in the lateral direction XX. The plurality of protrusions 570 are aligned in the longitudinal direction YY and spaced apart from each other. Each protrusion 570 includes a rear surface 571, and the rear surface 571 is parallel to the third surface 513 and faces in the same direction as the third surface 513. Because the protrusion 570 protrudes from the third surface 513, the rear surface 57 of the protrusion 570 is spaced from the third surface 513 in the lateral direction XX, and the rear surface 57 of the protrusion 570 is farther from the tab portion 520 than the third surface 513 in the lateral direction XX. The rear surfaces 571 of the plurality of protrusions 570 may be coplanar. Each adjacent two of the plurality of protrusions 570 may define a gap G therebetween in the longitudinal direction YY.Each projection 570 also has a side surface 572 facing away from a plane in which the lower surface 516 of the base portion 510 extends.

[0223] The fourth surface 514 of the base portion 510 includes the rear surfaces 571 of the plurality of protrusions 570. For example, the fourth surface 514 of the base portion 510 is a discontinuous surface that may be collectively formed by the rear surfaces 571 of the plurality of protrusions 570. The terminal end 622 of each of the plurality of second conductive elements 620 extends from the rear surface 571 of a corresponding one of the plurality of protrusions 570 of the base portion 510 in the lateral direction XX. As described above, the terminal ends 612 of the plurality of first conductive elements 610 extend from the third surface 513 of the base portion 510 in the lateral direction XX.For example, the terminal ends 612 of the plurality of first conductive elements 610 and the terminal ends 622 of the plurality of second conductive elements 620 protrude from different reference surfaces of the base portion 510 that are spaced apart in the lateral direction XX. With such a configuration, the creepage distances between the terminal ends 612 of the plurality of first conductive elements 610 and the terminal ends 622 of the plurality of second conductive elements 620 can be increased.

[0224] In some embodiments, the electrical connector 20 is a right-angle connector. For the plurality of conductive elements 600, the terminal end of each conductive element includes a first segment extending from the intermediate portion in the lateral direction XX and out of the base portion 510, a second segment configured to be mounted on the circuit board 30, and a third segment connecting the first segment and the second segment. The third segment extends from the first segment toward the plane in which the bottom surface 516 of the base portion 510 extends to enable the second segment to be mounted on the circuit board 30.

[0225] For example, as in Fig. 10A and Fig. 10D, the terminal end 612 of each first conductive element 610 includes a first segment 6121, a second segment 6122, and a third segment 6123 connecting the first segment 6121 and the second segment 6122. The first segment 6121 extends from the intermediate portion 613 in the lateral direction XX and out of the third surface 513 of the base portion 510 of the insulating housing 500. The second segment 6122 is configured to be mounted on the circuit board 30. The second segment 6122 may be referred to as "a mounting portion." As shown in Fig. 10B and Fig. As shown in Figure 10D, the terminal end 622 of each second conductive element 620 includes a first segment 6221, a second segment 6222, and a third segment 6223 connecting the first segment 6221 and the second segment 6222. The first segment 6221 extends from the intermediate portion 623 in the lateral direction XX to protrude from the base portion 510 of the insulating housing 500. The second segment 6222 is configured to be mounted on the circuit board 30. The second segment 6222 may be referred to as "a mounting portion."

[0226] In some embodiments, as in Fig. 10D, the third segment 6123 of the terminal end 612 of each of the plurality of first conductive elements 610 extends through the gap G between two corresponding adjacent protrusions 570 in the vertical direction ZZ, such that the third segments 6123 of each two adjacent first conductive elements 610 are separated by the protrusion 570. For example, the third segment 6123 of each first conductive element 610 may be a straight segment. Although a portion of the third segment 6123 of the first conductive element 610 in Fig. 10D as extending through the gap G in the vertical direction ZZ, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the entire length of the third segment 6123 of the first conductive element 610 may be located in the gap G. Thus, in the present application, at least a portion of the third segment 6123 of the first conductive element 610 may extend through the gap G between two corresponding adjacent protrusions 570 in the vertical direction ZZ.

[0227] Such a configuration can increase the creepage distances between the terminal ends 612 of the plurality of first conductive elements 610 and the terminal ends 622 of the plurality of second conductive elements 620, thereby enabling the plurality of first conductive elements 610 and the plurality of second conductive elements 620 to be arranged more closely and increasing the dielectric strength of the electrical connector 20. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the electrical connector 20 in the lateral direction XX and / or the longitudinal direction YY. This facilitates the miniaturization of the electrical connector 20 and enables a reduction in the footprint of the electrical connector 20 on the circuit board 30.

[0228] In some embodiments, as in Fig. 10D, the first segment 6121 and the third segment 6123 of the first conductive element 610 do not extend beyond the rear surface 571 of the projection 570 in the lateral direction XX.

[0229] In some embodiments, as in Fig. 10D, the conductive structures on the circuit board 30 configured to make electrical connections to the conductive elements may be conductive pads 32. In this case, the second segment of the terminal end of each of the plurality of conductive elements 600 may be configured to be mounted on the conductive pad 32 of the circuit board 30. The mounting surfaces of the second segments 6122 of the terminal ends 612 of the plurality of first conductive elements 610 and the mounting surfaces of the second segments 6222 of the terminal ends 622 of the plurality of second conductive elements 620 may be coplanar in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction ZZ.The second segments 6122 of the terminal ends 612 of the plurality of first conductive elements 610 are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction YY, and the second segments 6222 of the terminal ends 622 of the plurality of second conductive elements 620 are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction YY. The second segments 6122 of the plurality of first conductive elements 610 are closer to the third surface 513 than the second segments 6222 of the plurality of second conductive elements 620. The second segments 6122 of the plurality of first conductive elements 610 and the second segments 6222 of the plurality of second conductive elements 620 may be offset from each other in the lateral direction XX. Such a configuration can facilitate a flatness check after the second segments 6122 and 6222 of the mounting terminals 612 and 622 are mounted on the conductive pads 32 of the circuit board 30.

[0230] As in the Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, the intermediate portions 613 of the plurality of first conductive elements 610 and the intermediate portions 623 of the plurality of second conductive elements 620 may be offset from each other in the vertical direction ZZ. Such a configuration allows the first row R1 and the second row R2 to be arranged at a smaller distance in the vertical direction ZZ, while still ensuring a sufficient distance between the intermediate portions 613 of the first conductive elements 610 and the intermediate portions 623 of the second conductive elements 620. In this way, the size (e.g., height) of the electrical connector 20 can be reduced in the vertical direction ZZ. This facilitates the miniaturization of the electrical connector 20 and enables a reduction in the footprint of the electrical connector 20 on the circuit board 30.

[0231] In some embodiments, as in Fig. 11, the receiving portion 540 of the insulating housing 500 may include a groove 580. The groove 580 is recessed into the first wall 541 from the receiving space 550 in the vertical direction ZZ and extends in the lateral direction XX. The groove 580 includes a bottom wall 581. The receiving portion 540 may further include a bulge 582 that protrudes from the bottom wall 581 of the groove 580 into the groove 580. As described in detail below, the bulge 582 may be configured to be engaged by the fourth carrier 184 of the electrical connector 10. The bulge 582 may be located near a front edge of the first wall 541. The bulge 582 may be formed integrally with the first wall 541.

[0232] In some embodiments, as in Fig. As shown in FIG. 11, the receiving portion 540 of the insulating housing 500 may include a reinforcing rib 583. The reinforcing rib 583 may protrude from the bottom wall 581 of the groove 580 into the groove 580 and extend in the lateral direction XX. The reinforcing rib 583 may increase the strength of a wall segment of the first wall 541 corresponding to the groove 580. Since the reinforcing rib 583 can provide sufficient strength to the wall segment of the first wall 541, the wall segment may not be bent outward in a convex shape like the conventional housing. This facilitates the reduction of the height of the electrical connector 20 in the vertical direction ZZ, thereby facilitating the miniaturization of the electrical connector 20.

[0233] With reference to the Fig. 15A and Fig. 15B, the fourth support 184 of the overhanging component 180 of the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10 may include a first notch 184a extending through the fourth support 184 in the lateral direction XX, and the projection 431 of the third elastic arm 430 of the locking element 400 may include a second notch 431a extending through the projection 431 in the lateral direction XX. As in Fig. As shown in FIG. 4A, the first notch 184a and the second notch 431a are aligned with each other in the lateral direction XX when the locking element 400 is placed in the second position. This allows the reinforcing rib 583 to extend through the first notch 184a and the second notch 431a in the lateral direction XX when the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 are connected. Such a configuration of the first notch 184a, the second notch 431a, and the reinforcing rib 583 can further reduce the height of the electrical connector 20 in the vertical direction ZZ.

[0234] Although the intermediate portions and connecting ends of the conductive elements 600 are described above as being inserted directly into the channels of the insulating housing 500, it should be understood that the present application is not so limited. In some embodiments, the insulating housing 500 may be molded around the intermediate portions and connecting ends of the conductive elements 600, or the conductive elements 600 may be held by an insulating terminal retaining member, and the conductive elements 600 and the terminal retaining member together form a terminal assembly and are mounted to the insulating housing 500.

[0235] Although the termination ends of the conductive elements are described above as being configured to be mounted on the conductive pads 32 of the circuit board 30, it should be understood that the present application is not so limited. In other embodiments, the termination ends may be in any other suitable form, such as a press-fit "needle eyelet."

[0236] Although the fourth surface 514 of the base portion 510 is described as being formed of discontinuous surfaces, it should be understood that the present application is not so limited. In some embodiments, the fourth surface 514 of the base portion 510 may be a continuous surface. Furthermore, in the case where the conductive elements 600 are held by an insulating terminal holding member, the terminal holding member is a part of the base portion 510, and thus the surface of the terminal holding member is a surface of the base portion 510.

[0237] The configuration of the electrical connector 20' is described below with reference to Fig. 12A to Fig. 14 described in detail. As in Fig. 12A to Fig. 14, the electrical connector 20' may have substantially the same configuration as the electrical connector 20. Thus, in Fig. 12A to Fig. 14, the same reference numerals are used to designate portions of the electrical connector 20' which correspond to the Fig. 9A to Fig. 11 may be similar, and details of these same or similar portions are not repeated herein.

[0238] As in Fig. 12A, the electrical connector 20' may include, similar to the electrical connector 20, an insulating housing 500, a plurality of conductive elements 600', and a hold-down tab 700. The insulating housing 500 and the hold-down tab 700 of the electrical connector 20' may be substantially similar to the insulating housing 500 and the hold-down tab 700 of the electrical connector 20, respectively. For brevity, details of these same or similar portions are not repeated herein.

[0239] As in Fig. 12A to Fig. 14, the configuration and arrangement of the plurality of conductive elements 600' of the electrical connector 20' differ from those of the plurality of conductive elements 600 of the electrical connector 20.

[0240] For example, as in Fig. 12A to Fig. 13B, the plurality of conductive elements 600' includes a plurality of first conductive elements 610' and a plurality of second conductive elements 620. The configuration of the second conductive element 620 of the electrical connector 20' may be similar to that of the second conductive element 620 of the electrical connector 20. For brevity, details of these same portions are not repeated herein.

[0241] With reference to Fig. 12A to Fig. 13B, the first conductive element 610' of the electrical connector 20' includes a connecting end 611 having a connecting contact portion 611a, a terminating end 612' opposite the connecting end, and an intermediate portion 613 connecting the connecting end 611 and the terminating end 612. The shapes of the connecting end 611 and the intermediate portion 613 of the first conductive element 610' of the electrical connector 20' may be similar to those of the connecting end 611 and the intermediate portion 613 of the first conductive element 610 of the electrical connector 20. For brevity, details of these same portions are not repeated herein.

[0242] Similar to the terminal end 612 of the first conductive element 610, the terminal end 612' of the first conductive element 610' includes a first segment 6121, a second segment 6122, and a third segment 6123' connecting the first segment 6121 and the second segment 6122. The first segment 6121 extends from the intermediate portion 613 in the lateral direction XX and out of the base portion 510 of the insulating housing 500. The second segment 6122 is configured to be mounted on the circuit board 30. The third segment 6123' extends from the first segment 6121 toward a plane in which the bottom surface 516 of the base portion 510 extends to enable the second segment 6122 to be mounted on the circuit board 30.The shapes of the first segment 6121 and the second segment 6122 of the terminal end 612' of the first conductive element 610' may be similar to those of the first segment 6121 and the second segment 6122 of the terminal end 612 of the first conductive element 610. For brevity, details of these same portions are not repeated herein.

[0243] The shape of the third segment 6123' of the terminal end 612' of the first conductive element 610' may differ from that of the third segment 6123 of the terminal end 612 of the first conductive element 610. For example, as shown in Fig. 13A, the third segment 6123' of the first conductive element 610' may be a curved segment and may include a first segment 6123a extending from the first segment 6121 in the longitudinal direction YY and a second segment 6123b extending from the first segment 6122 to the second segment 6122 in the vertical direction ZZ. Such a shape of the third segment 6123' allows the second segment 6122 to be offset from the first segment 6121 in the lateral direction XX and the vertical direction ZZ. For example, the second segment 6122 and the first segment 6121 of the terminal end 612' extend along different planes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction YY and are spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction YY.Such a shape of the third segment 6123' allows the second conductive element 620 to be arranged directly below the first conductive element 610' in such a manner that the connecting end 621 of the second conductive element 620 and the connecting end 611 of the first conductive element 610' are aligned with each other in the vertical direction ZZ.

[0244] Fig. 12A, Fig. 12B and Fig. 14 illustrate the relative positions of the first conductive elements 610' and the second conductive elements 620 of the electrical connector 20' when arranged in the insulating housing 500. As shown in the Fig. 12A, Fig. 12B and Fig. As shown in Figure 14, the intermediate portion 613 of each of the plurality of first conductive elements 610' and the intermediate portion 613 of a corresponding one of the plurality of second conductive elements 620 are aligned with each other in the vertical direction ZZ. Furthermore, the connecting end 611 of each of the plurality of first conductive elements 610' and the connecting end 621 of a corresponding one of the plurality of second conductive elements 620 are aligned with each other in the vertical direction ZZ.

[0245] On the side of the base portion 510 opposite the tab portion 520, the first segment 6121 of the terminal end 612' of each first conductive element 610' extends from the third surface 513 of the base portion 510 in the lateral direction XX over the side 572 ( Fig. 10D and Fig. 14) of a corresponding one of the plurality of projections 570. The first segment 6123a of the third segment 6123' of the terminal end 612' extends along the side 572 (e.g., extends adjacent to the side 572) in the longitudinal direction YY, and the second segment 6123b extends through the gap G ( Fig. 10D) between the corresponding two adjacent projections 570 to the second segment 6122 in the vertical direction ZZ.

[0246] Such a configuration can increase the creepage distances between the terminal ends 612' of the plurality of first conductive elements 610' and the terminal ends 622 of the plurality of second conductive elements 620 of the electrical connector 20', thereby enabling the terminal ends 612' of the plurality of first conductive elements 610' and the terminal ends 622 of the plurality of second conductive elements 620 to be arranged at a closer distance and improving the dielectric withstand voltage of the electrical connector 20'. This makes it possible to reduce the size of the electrical connector 20' in the lateral direction XX and / or the longitudinal direction YY. This facilitates the miniaturization of the electrical connector 20' and enables a reduction in the footprint of the electrical connector 20' on the circuit board 30.In addition, such a configuration may enable the connecting ends 611 of the plurality of first conductive elements 610' and the connecting ends 621 of the plurality of second conductive elements 620 to be aligned with each other in the vertical direction ZZ.

[0247] In some embodiments, the first segments 6121 and the third segments 6123' (including the first segments 6123a and the second segments 6123b) of the terminal ends 612' of the first conductive elements 610' do not extend beyond the rear surfaces 571 of the protrusions 570 in the lateral direction XX.

[0248] The other configurations, variations, functions, and advantages of the electrical connector 20' are identical to those of the electrical connector 20. For brevity, details of these same sections are not repeated herein. Connector assembly

[0249] The electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 can be mated together to form a connector assembly. Such a connector assembly can provide an electrical connection between the circuit board 3 and another electrical component to achieve signal and / or power transmission. Such a connector assembly can be referred to as a "wire-to-board assembly" or "a wire-to-board connector." Such a connector assembly can be used, for example, as a BMS connector in a battery management system.

[0250] As in Fig. 1A to Fig. 3B, when the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 are fitted together, the tab portion 520 of the electrical connector 20 is received in the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10 and is positioned between the connecting end 202 of the first flexible cable 200A and the connecting end 202 of the second flexible cable 200B, such that the connecting contact portions of the connecting ends of the plurality of conductive members 600 electrically contact the plurality of conductive contacts 203 of the first flexible cable 200A and the plurality of conductive contacts 203 of the second flexible cable 200B.For example, the connecting contact portions 611a of the connecting ends 611 of the plurality of first conductive elements 610 electrically contact the plurality of conductive contacts 203 of the first flexible cable 200A, and the connecting contact portions 621a of the connecting ends 621 of the plurality of second conductive elements 620 electrically contact the plurality of conductive contacts 203 of the second flexible cable 200B. In this way, it is possible to establish electrical connections between the flexible cables of the electrical connector 10 and the conductive elements 600 of the electrical connector 20.When the electrical connector 20 is mounted on the circuit board 30, the conductive elements 600 of the electrical connector 20 can establish electrical connections between the flexible cables of the electrical connector 10 and the conductive structures on the circuit board 30, thereby connecting the flexible cable to the circuit board 30.

[0251] As in Fig. 2, the tab portion 520 of the insulating housing 500 of the electrical connector 20 is received in the receiving space 140 of the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10 and is positioned between the second segment 220 of the first flexible cable 200A and the second segment 220 of the second flexible cable 200B of the electrical connector 10. The receiving portion 150 of the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10 is received in the receiving portion 540 of the insulating housing 500 of the electrical connector 20 and is positioned between the tab portion 520 and the receiving portion 540 of the insulating housing 500 of the electrical connector 20.Such an arrangement enables the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10 and the insulating housing 500 of the electrical connector 20 to be closely connected to each other and form a labyrinth seal protection between the outside of the connector assembly and the connection interface of the connector assembly to effectively prevent foreign matter from entering the connection interface.

[0252] The first wall 151 of the electrical connector 10 and the second segment 220 of the first flexible cable 200A are received between the first wall 541 and the tab portion 520 of the electrical connector 20. The second wall 152 of the electrical connector 10 and the second segment 220 of the second flexible cable 200B are received between the second wall 542 and the tab portion 520 of the electrical connector 20. The third wall 153 of the electrical connector 10 is received between the third wall 543 and the tab portion 520 of the electrical connector 20. The fourth wall 154 of the electrical connector 10 is received between the fourth wall 544 and the tab portion 520 of the electrical connector 20.

[0253] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the first rib 171 and the second rib 172 of the electrical connector 10 are respectively received in the first groove 561 and the second groove 562 of the electrical connector 20. As described above, such a configuration can improve the hot-plugging capability of the connector assembly.

[0254] The first protrusion 173 and the second protrusion 174 of the electrical connector 10 are respectively received in the first recess 563 and the second recess 564 of the electrical connector 20. As described above, such a configuration can improve the hot-pluggability and reliability of the connector assembly.

[0255] The first elastic support 181 and the second elastic support 182 of the overhanging component 180 of the CPA device of the electrical connector 10 extend into the groove 580 of the receiving portion 540 of the electrical connector 20, so that the fourth support 184 is positioned in the groove 580. The bulge 582 of the receiving portion 540 is positioned between the fourth support 184 and the third support 183 of the overhanging component 180 and engages the fourth support 184. In this case, as described above, the locking element 400 can be selectively moved to the pre-locked position (the position shown in Fig. 4A) and the locked position (shown in Fig. 4F) to unlock and lock the overhanging component 180. The first notch 184a of the fourth bracket 184 may be aligned with the reinforcing rib 583 in the lateral direction XX such that the reinforcing rib 583 extends through the first notch 184a in the lateral direction XX. Furthermore, the first notch 184a and the second notch 431a are aligned with each other in the lateral direction XX when the locking element 400 is placed in the locked position. In this case, both the first notch 184a and the second notch 431a are aligned with the reinforcing rib 583 in the lateral direction XX such that the reinforcing rib 583 extends through the first notch 184a and the second notch 431a in the lateral direction XX.

[0256] The electrical connector 10 may be configured to be capable of being separated from the electrical connector 20 by manual operation when the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 are mated together. In some embodiments, as in Fig. 16B, the base portion 110 of the insulating housing 100 of the electrical connector 10 may include an engaging projection 188 at one end thereof opposite the receiving portion 150. The engaging projection 188 is configured to be grasped by a user's hand to facilitate moving the electrical connector 10 away from the electrical connector 20. The user may first place the latching member 400 in the second position to unlock the overhanging component 180, then push the third bracket 183 of the overhanging component 180 toward the bottom wall 178c and grasp the engaging projection 188 to move the electrical connector 10 away from the electrical connector 20, thereby disengaging the electrical connector 10 from the electrical connector 20.

[0257] Alternatively or additionally, the electrical connector 10 is configured to be capable of being actuated by a tool to be separated from the electrical connector 20 when the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 are mated together. For example, as shown in the Fig. 15A and Fig. 16A, the insulating housing 100 may include a flange portion 190 that protrudes outward from the base portion 110 in the vertical direction ZZ. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, when the electrical connector 10 and the electrical connector 20 are mated together, the flange portion 190 abuts a front edge 541a of the first wall 541 of the receiving portion 540 in the lateral direction XX. The flange portion 190 includes a first side 190a facing the front edge 541a of the first wall 541, and a first receiving recess 191 and a second receiving recess 192 recessed into the flange portion 190 from the first side 190a in the lateral direction XX.

[0258] An example tool 800 is shown in the Fig. 16A to Fig. 16E. As shown in the Fig. 16A to Fig. 16C, the tool 800 may include a tool body 810 and a first leg 811, a second leg 812, and a third leg 813 extending from the tool body 810. The third leg 813 is located between the first leg 811 and the second leg 812. The first leg 811 and the second leg 812 of the tool 800 can be received in the first receiving recess 191 and the second receiving recess 192, respectively, to allow the third leg 813 to align with the third support 183 of the overhanging component 180 in the vertical direction ZZ and to bias the third support 183 toward the bottom wall 178c, thereby moving the fourth support 184 toward the bottom wall 178c to disengage from the bulge 582 of the insulating housing 500 of the electrical connector 20. As shown in Fig. 16D, the first leg 811 and the second leg 812 of the tool 800 can, by deflecting the tool away from the base portion (as schematically indicated by the arrow 51), pry open the receiving portion 150 of the insulating housing 100 with the front edge 541a of the first wall 541 as a pivot point to move the receiving portion 150 away from the receiving portion 540 in the lateral direction XX (as schematically indicated by the arrow 52). As shown in Fig.16E, holding the first leg 811 and the second leg 812 in the first receiving recess 191 and the second receiving recess 192 and pulling the tool 800 away from the electrical connector 20 (as schematically indicated by arrow 53) may cause the receiving portion 150 to be moved out of the receiving portion 540 in the lateral direction XX (as schematically indicated by arrow 54), thereby separating the electrical connector 10 from the electrical connector 20. Further, the third leg 813 of the tool 800 may be used to engage the base body 401 of the latching member 400 to move the latching member 400 from the locked position to the pre-locked position. Such a configuration may facilitate operation of the electrical connector 10 in a space-constrained environment to disconnect the electrical connector 10 from the electrical connector 20.

[0259] The electrical connector 20' can be mated and unmated with the electrical connector 10 in a similar manner. For brevity, details of these same sections are not repeated herein.

[0260] Having thus described several aspects of several embodiments, it is understood that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Although the present teachings have been described in connection with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments or examples. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0261] For example, although many creative aspects have been described above with reference to right-angle connectors, it should be understood that the aspects of the present disclosure are not so limited. Any of the creative features, whether alone or combined with one or more other creative features, may also be used for other types of electrical connectors, such as vertical connectors, etc.

[0262] While some advantages of the present invention may be noted, it should be further understood that not every embodiment of the invention includes every described advantage. Some embodiments may not implement features described as advantageous. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are provided by way of example only.

[0263] Furthermore, the described technology may be embodied as a method, of which at least one example has been provided. The steps performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable manner. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which steps are performed in a different order than illustrated, which may involve performing some steps concurrently, even if they are shown as sequential steps in illustrative embodiments.

[0264] All definitions, as defined and used, should be understood to control dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0265] In the description of the present disclosure, it is understood that orientation or positional relationships indicated by orientation words such as "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "transverse direction," "vertical direction," "perpendicular," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," and the like are shown based on the accompanying drawings for the purpose of easily describing the present disclosure and simplifying its descriptions. Unless otherwise noted, these orientation words do not indicate or imply that the specified device or element must be specifically arranged, structured, and operated in a specific direction, and therefore should not be construed as limitations on the present disclosure. The orientation words "inside" and "outside" refer to the inside and outside with respect to the contour of each component itself.

[0266] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "on," "over," "on top of," and "above" may be used herein to describe a spatial positional relationship between one or more components or features and other components or features shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that spatial relative terms include not only the orientations of the components shown in the accompanying drawings, but also include different orientations during use or operation. For example, where the component is completely inverted in the accompanying drawings, the component being "over other components or features" or "on top of other components or features" includes the case where the component is "below other components or features" or "under other components or features."Thus, the exemplary term "over" can encompass both the "over" and "under" orientations. Additionally, these components or features can be oriented differently (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other angles), and the present disclosure is intended to encompass all such cases.

[0267] It should be noted that the terms used herein are for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, a singular term includes a plural term unless otherwise indicated. Additionally, it is also understood that when the terms "including" and / or "comprising" are used herein, this indicates the presence of features, steps, acts, parts, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0268] Numerical values ​​and ranges may be described in the description and claims as approximate or exact values ​​or ranges. For example, in some cases, the terms "about," "approximately," and "substantially" may be used with reference to a value. Such references are intended to include the referenced value as well as plus and minus reasonable variations in the value. For example, an expression "between about 10 and about 20" is intended to mean "between exactly 10 and exactly 20" in some embodiments, as well as "between 10 ± d1 and 20 ± d2" in some embodiments. The amount of variation d1, d2 for a value may be less than 5% of the value in some embodiments, less than 10% of the value in some embodiments, and even less than 20% of the value in some embodiments. In embodiments where a large range of values ​​is given, e.g.For a range encompassing two or more orders of magnitude, the amount of variation d1, d2 for a value could be up to 50%. For example, if an operative range extends from 2 to 200, "approximately 80" could include values ​​between 40 and 120, and the range could be as large as between 1 and 300. When only exact values ​​are intended, the term "exact" is used, e.g., "between exactly 2 and exactly 200." The term "substantially" is used to indicate that values ​​are equal to or within ± 3% of a target value or condition.

[0269] The indefinite articles “a” and “an” as used in the description and claims should be understood to mean “at least one” unless clearly stated to the contrary.

[0270] The term "and / or" as used in the description and claims should be understood to mean "one or both" of the elements so connected, e.g., elements that are present contiguously in some cases and uncontiguously in other cases. Multiple elements listed with "and / or" should be construed in the same way, e.g., "one or more" of the elements so connected. Other elements may optionally be present besides those specifically identified by the "and / or" clause, whether or not they are related to those specifically identified elements.Thus, by way of non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising,” may, in one embodiment, refer only to A (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, only to B (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0271] As used in the description and claims, "or" should be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" should be construed as inclusive, e.g., including at least one, but also more than one, of a number or list of items and, optionally, additional items not listed. Only terms that clearly indicate the opposite, such as "only one of" or "exactly one of" or, when used in the claims, "consisting of," refer to including exactly one of a number or list of items. In general, the term "or," as used, should only be construed to include exclusive alternatives (i.e.,"one or the other, but not both") when preceded by terms of exclusivity such as "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of." "Consisting essentially of," when used in the claims, is intended to have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0272] As used in the description and claims, the term "at least one" with respect to a list of one or more elements should be understood to mean at least one element selected from one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but does not necessarily include at least one of each and every element specifically listed in the list of elements, and does not exclude any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for elements to be optionally present other than those specifically identified in the list of elements to which the term "at least one" refers, whether or not related to those specifically identified elements.Thus, by way of non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or equivalently “at least one of A or B” or equivalently “at least one of A and / or B”) may refer in one embodiment to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0273] In the claims, as well as in the above description, all transitional expressions such as "comprising," "including," "supporting," "having," "containing," "containing," "holding," "consisting of," and the like are intended to be open-ended, e.g., to mean including but not limited to. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units need not be limited to the steps or units clearly listed; instead, it may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or are inherent in those processes, methods, products, or apparatus. Only the transitional expressions "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" are intended to be closed and semi-closed transitional expressions, respectively.

[0274] The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless so stated. It is understood that various changes in form and detail may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. All embodiments falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed.

[0275] In the claims, as well as in the description above, the use of ordinal terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc., does not in itself imply any priority, ranking, or order of one element over another, or the temporal order in which steps of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one element with a particular name from another element with the same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the elements. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 202421774872.9

[0001] CN 202311154827.3

[0001]

Claims

[1] A connector for terminating a first and a second flexible cable, comprising a connecting end having a plurality of conductive contacts facing the plurality of conductive contacts of the other of the first and second flexible cables, the connector comprising: a housing having a front, a back, a top, a bottom, and two sides each connecting the top and bottom and extending from the front to the back, the housing comprising: a top channel extending adjacent to the top and from the front through the back, the top channel configured to receive the first flexible cable; a lower channel extending adjacent to the bottom and from the front, the lower channel configured to receive the second flexible cable; a receiving space at the front, the receiving space configured to receive portions of the first and second flexible cables having the plurality of conductive contacts; and one or more locking features configured to retain the first and second flexible cables in the upper and lower channels. [2] The connector of claim 1, wherein the one or more locking features of the housing comprise: a side channel extending from the bottom toward the top; and a locking member comprising a first arm disposed in the side channel and configured to move between a pre-locked position when edges of the first and second flexible cables are offset from the first arm and a locked position when edges of the first and second flexible cables are engaged with the first arm such that the first and second flexible cables are fixedly disposed in the housing. [3] Connector according to claim 2, wherein: one side of the housing includes a first slot and a second slot located closer to the top than the first slot; and the locking member comprises a second arm comprising a bulge configured to be disposed in the first slot of the housing when the locking member is in the pre-locked position and in the second slot of the housing when the locking member is in the locked position. [4] Connector according to claim 3, wherein: the locking element comprises a pair of first arms arranged on opposite sides of the receiving space of the housing and a pair of second arms; and the pair of first arms is arranged between the pair of second arms. [5] Connector according to claim 4, wherein: the pair of first arms are aligned along a first center line; and the pair of second arms are aligned along a second centerline offset from the first centerline in a mating direction of the connector. [6] Connector according to one of claims 1-5, wherein: the housing comprises a base portion and a receiving portion extending from the base portion and enclosing the receiving space; and each of the upper and lower channels comprises a portion extending on the base portion. [7] A connector according to claim 6 in combination with the first and second flexible cables, wherein: for each of the first and second flexible cables, the connecting end comprises a first segment disposed in the portion of a respective one of the upper and lower channels extending at the base portion, and a second segment extending from the first segment and having the plurality of conductive contacts. [8] Connector according to claim 7, wherein: for each of the first and second flexible cables, the first segment includes a notch aligned in the side channel of the housing; the one or more locking features of the housing include: a side channel extending from the bottom toward the top; and a locking member comprising a first arm disposed in the side channel and configured to move between a pre-locked position when edges of the first and second flexible cables are offset from the first arm, and a locked position when the edges of the first and second flexible cables engage the first arm such that the first and second flexible cables are fixedly disposed within the housing; and in the locked position, the first arm of the locking member engages the notches of the first segments of the first and second flexible cables. [9] Connector according to claim 7, wherein: for each of the first and second flexible cables, the second segment includes a notch; and the one or more locking features of the housing include first and second brackets extending from the base portion into the receiving space, each of the first and second brackets including a protrusion configured to engage the notch of the second segment of a respective one of the first and second flexible cables. [10] Connector according to one of claims 2-5, wherein: the first arm comprises an upper portion, a lower portion and a groove between the upper and lower portions; in the pre-locked position, the upper portion of the first arm is disposed between the first and second flexible cables and the lower portion of the first arm is disposed between the second flexible cable and the bottom of the housing; and in the locked position, the upper and lower sections of the first arm engage the edges of the first and second flexible cables, respectively. [11] Connector according to one of claims 6-9, wherein: the top of the housing includes a groove on the receiving portion; and the connector includes: an overhanging component having a proximal end that engages a bottom of the groove of the top surface on the receiving section, and a distal end facing the back, and a connector position assurance device configured to engage the overhanging component. [12] Connector according to claim 11, wherein: the overhanging component comprises first and second supports extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a third support connecting the first and second supports at the distal end; the top of the housing includes a flange portion substantially aligned with the third support of the overhanging component; and the flange portion comprises a first and a second recess towards the rear of the housing. [13] Connector according to one of claims 1-12, wherein: the first and second flexible cables comprise a flexible flat cable (FFC) and / or a flexible printed circuit board (FPC). [14] Connector according to one of claims 1-13, wherein: the front of the housing extends beyond the front edges of the first and second flexible cables. [15] Electronic system comprising: the connector according to claim 12 in combination with the first and second flexible cables; a circuit board; and a socket connector mated to the plug connector, the socket connector comprising: a housing comprising a tab portion disposed in the receiving space of the connector, the tab portion comprising an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of conductive elements supported by the housing, each of the plurality of conductive elements having a connecting end extending into the tab portion of the housing, a terminating end, which extends from the housing and is mounted on the circuit board, and comprises an intermediate portion between the connecting end and the terminating end, wherein the plurality of conductive elements comprises a plurality of first conductive elements arranged in a first row and a plurality of second conductive elements arranged in a second row, wherein: the connecting ends of the plurality of first conductive elements comprise connecting contact portions protruding from the upper surface of the tab portion to contact the plurality of conductive contacts of the first flexible cable, and the connecting ends of the plurality of first conductive elements comprise connecting contact portions projecting from the lower surface of the tab portion for contacting the plurality of conductive contacts of the second flexible cable. [16] An electronic system according to claim 15, wherein: the housing of the connector includes a projection extending from the front of the housing in a connecting direction of the connector, and a rib extending from the projection to the flange portion; and the housing of the female connector includes a recess on a front side configured to receive both the projection extending from the front side of the housing of the connector and the rib extending from the projection to the flange portion. [17] Socket connector, comprising: a housing comprising a base portion and a tab portion extending from the base portion in a connecting direction, the tab portion comprising an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface in a vertical direction perpendicular to the connecting direction; and a plurality of conductive elements supported by the housing, each of the plurality of conductive elements comprising a connecting end extending into the tab portion and having a connecting contact portion, a terminating end extending from the housing, and an intermediate portion between the connecting end and the terminating end, the plurality of conductive elements comprising a plurality of first conductive elements having the connecting contact portions protruding from the upper surface of the tab portion and a plurality of second conductive elements having the connecting contact portion protruding from the lower surface of the tab portion, wherein: the terminal end of each of the plurality of conductive elements includes a first segment extending from the respective intermediate portion in the connecting direction, a second segment configured to be mounted on a circuit board, and a third segment connecting the first segment and the second segment; the first segments of the terminal ends of the plurality of first conductive elements and the terminal ends of the plurality of second conductive elements are offset in the vertical direction; and the second segments of the terminal ends of the plurality of first conductive elements and the terminal ends of the plurality of second conductive elements are offset in the connection direction. [18] A socket connector according to claim 17, wherein: the connecting ends of the plurality of first conductive elements and the connecting ends of the plurality of second conductive elements are offset in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the connecting direction. [19] A socket connector according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein: the base portion of the housing includes a plurality of projections extending from a rear surface of the base portion; and the terminal ends of the plurality of second conductive elements each extend from a respective one of the plurality of projections extending from the rear surface of the base portion of the housing. [20] A socket connector according to claim 19, wherein: the terminal ends of the plurality of first conductive elements each extend from the rear surface of the base portion of the housing between respective adjacent projections of the plurality of projections. [21] Socket connector according to any one of claims 17-20, wherein: the connecting end of each of the plurality of first conductive elements comprises a first and a second support aligned in the vertical direction, the first support extending beyond the second support in the connecting direction; each of the first and second carriers comprises a contact portion; and the contact portions of the first and second carriers are aligned in the connection direction. [22] A socket connector according to claim 18, wherein: the connecting end of each of the plurality of conductive elements comprises a first and a second carrier, the first carrier extending beyond the second carrier in the connecting direction; each of the first and second carriers comprises a contact portion; the contact portions of the first and second carriers are aligned in the connection direction; and the first supports of the plurality of conductive elements are arranged between respective second supports and the tab portion of the housing. [23] A socket connector according to claim 22, wherein for each of the plurality of conductive elements, the contact portion of each of the first and second carriers comprises: a first end segment having a first width in the longitudinal direction; a second end segment having a second width in the longitudinal direction, the second width being smaller than the first width; a first transition segment connecting the first end segment and the second end segment; a first front surface adjacent a front end of the tab portion and extending from the first end segment through the first transition segment to the second end segment; and a first rear surface away from the front of the tab portion and extending from the first end segment through the first transition segment to the second end segment. [24] A socket connector according to claim 23, wherein: the housing comprises a receiving portion extending from the base portion and enclosing a receiving space open at one end opposite the base portion; and the tab section is arranged in the receiving space. [25] Electronic system comprising: the socket connector according to claim 24; and a connector configured to mate with the socket connector, the connector comprising: a housing comprising a base portion and a receiving portion extending from the base portion and enclosing a receiving space, wherein the receiving portion of the housing of the connector is configured to fit into the receiving space of the socket connector so that the tab portion of the socket connector is arranged in the receiving space of the connector; a first flexible cable held by the housing and comprising a plurality of contact pads configured to contact the contact portions of the plurality of first conductive elements; and a second flexible cable supported by the housing and including a plurality of contact pads configured to contact the contact portions of the plurality of second conductive elements. [26] An electronic system according to claim 25, wherein: the receiving portion of the connector housing includes an overhanging component; the receiving portion of the housing of the female connector includes a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the overhanging component of the connector and a protrusion configured to engage the overhanging component of the connector; and the electronic system includes a connector position securing device configured to engage both the overhanging component of the connector and the recess of the receiving portion of the housing of the receptacle connector to secure the connector to the receptacle connector. [27] An electronic system according to claim 26, wherein: the housing of the connector includes a flange portion configured to engage a front surface of the housing of the receptacle connector; and the flange portion of the connector includes a recess spaced from the front surface of the housing of the receptacle connector and configured to receive a tool to separate the connector from the receptacle connector.

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